Everything You Need to Know About Campanula Plants

Known for its distinctive bell-shaped blossoms, campanula—better known as bellflower—is an herbaceous perennial that's native to locations that include Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. The showy flower comes in many varieties, sizes, and colors—purple and blue are the hues you're most likely to find it in, but white and pink shades are also available. Most campanula grows from late spring to late summer or early fall.

Its bell-shaped blooms are the aptly named flower's claim to fame. The stems of some species are smooth and slightly hairy; others are rough and serrated. Its flowers are about one inch long, and it has dark green foliage. Depending on the variety you plant, they can grow from a few inches to four feet in both height and width. Campanulas symbolize gratitude, humility, and everlasting love and are associated with Venus, the Roman goddess of love—which may be why so many are fond of the gorgeous bloom.

Where Campanula Grows

If you live in zones three to nine, per the United States' Plant Hardiness Zone map, then you should have no problem growing campanula at home. The plant does best when situated in full sunlight to part shade.

The Best Way to Use It

These gorgeous blooms are used as ornamental flowers. Since campanula is invasive, it works best as a border, in a rock garden, or hanging in a container.

Maintaining Your Campanula Plant

Just like most living things, it needs to stay hydrated so water the plant when the soil feels dry. And be sure to trim dead heads regularly to promote growth.

The Most Popular Varieties

Campanula persicifolia, or "peach-leaved bellflower," is a graceful plant with white to blue flowers and foliage that's narrow and glossy with a bright green color. It prefers medium moisture, well-drained soil, and grows in zones three to seven. According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, it's a low-maintenance plant that blooms from June to July.

Campanula Americana, often called "tall bellflower," blooms from June to August. It's native to moist open woods, moist meadows, streambanks, and ditches in shady areas of North America. It grows in zones four to seven to as high as six feet.