Campanula Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Campanula plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Bellflower, Harebell, and Canterbury Bells: Cultivation & Garden Use

The Campanula plant genus is very large, and includes species that are Hardy Perennial, Hardy Biennial, and Hardy Annual in nature.

One thing that Campanula plants have in common, is that they all bear bell-like flowers. These are usually of blue or white.

Harebell / Bluebell (Campanula rotundifolia) by Brewbooks

Smaller species, can be used in a rockery, whereas larger members of the Campanula genus can be used anywhere in the garden.

Peach leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) by Suneko

Some of the common names of Campanula garden plants include Bellflower, Peach Bells, Harebell, and Canterbury bells. They usually flower in the spring or summer.

Caring for Bellflower and other Campanula Plant Species in the Garden

Campanula plant species such as bellflower and Harebell require feeding in the spring, and regular watering in dry periods.

It is best to dead-head Campanula flowers to prolong their blooming season by encouraging further flowers.

Commonly Grown Campanula Species Photographs and Plant Identification

Campanula rotundifolia

Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell / Scottish Bluebell), photograph by Anne and David; CC.

Campanula portenschlagiana

Campanula portenschlagiana (Wall Bellflower), photograph by Babij; CC.

Campanula americana

Campanula americana (American Bellflower / Tall Bellflower), photograph by Joshua Mayer; CC.

Campanula poscharskyana

Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian Bellflower / Trailing Bellflower), picture by Staudengärtnerei Forssman; CC.

Campanula Plant Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Bell Flower, Harebell, Bluebell, Peach Bells, Canterbury Bells, Rampion.
Family: Campanulaceae.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Hardy biennial. Sometimes as a hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 2 to 80 inches (5 to 200 cm).
Native: Temperate Northern hemisphere.
Growing Region: Annual: Zones 3 to 10. Perennial: Zones 3 to 8
Flowers: Spring and/or summer to early autumn.
Flower Details: Blue, pink, white, purple. Panicle. Bell shaped.
Foliage: Variable; often broad at the base of the plant and narrow higher up the stem.
Sow Outdoors: Surface. Early spring (or early autumn in mild climates). Sow biennials in late spring or early summer. Spacing: Small species 5 to 10 inches (12 to 20 cm); Large species 15 to 20 inches (38 to 50 cm).
Sow Indoors: Light (not direct sunlight). Germination time: two to four weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Nine or ten weeks in advance of transplanting outdoors in early spring or early autumn. Biennials should be transplanted in the autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight for best results (except in very hot areas then partial shade). Soil pH 6.5 to 7.5. Ordinary soils. Gritty soils in rockeries. Supply water in dry spells. Deadhead. Supply winter mulch of manure. Use a stake for tall species. Perennial species can be propagated form cuttings or by division in autumn or spring.

How to Grow Bellflower (Campanula)

Seeds of the Campanula plant should be sown on the surface in the early spring.

If growing bellflower and similar garden flowers from seed indoors, then they should be prepared about ten weeks before putting out.

They require two to three weeks to germinate. For gemination, Campanula should be grown in light, at a temperature of between 15 and 20°C (59 to 68°F).

The seedlings of bellflower should then be planted at a spacing of about 20 cm (8 inches; small varieties) or 40 cm (16 inches; larger varieties).

They should be located into an area of the garden that has full exposure to the sun, into a pH neutral soil, in the early spring.

Common Questions

How many members does the Campanula genus have?

The Campanula genus is quite large, with approximately 500 species.

Do members of Campanula make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Definitely! Campanula, also known as bellflowers, are cherished for their bell-shaped blue or purple flowers and their various sizes and growth habits.

Which Campanula species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Commonly grown species include Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Bellflower), Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower), and Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian Bellflower).

Are members of the Campanula plant genus fragrant?

While the main attraction of Campanula is their beautiful bell-shaped flowers, some species do have a light, pleasant fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Campanula?

Campanula enjoys a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. They're versatile plants that can be grown in both borders and containers.

Is Campanula invasive in the USA?

Some species of Campanula, like Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower), can be invasive in some parts of the USA, especially the Midwest.

How do I remove Campanula plants from my garden?

Remove Campanula by digging them up, making sure to get all the roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Campanula genus, also known as bellflower, belongs to the Campanulaceae family and is distributed across diverse regions, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Asia. They are admired for their bell-shaped flowers that bloom in hues of blue, purple, pink, or white.

To cultivate Campanula, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained soil. They can tolerate various soil types, making them a versatile choice for any garden. Plant in the spring or fall, and ensure regular watering for optimal growth. Depending on the species, they may behave as annuals, biennials, or perennials.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on Campanula. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Phyteuma, Brimeura plant, Roscoea plant, and Platycodon plants.