Campanula Flower

Campanulas are called bell flowers because of their shape.

The Campanula flower is more commonly known as the bell flower because of the bell shape of its blooms. There are about 300 species of Campanulas in colors ranging from lavender and blue to rose and white. Some varieties are only a few inches tall; others are 4 to 6 feet tall. Campanulas are easy to grow and bloom for several months during the spring and summer. They may be either annual, biennial or perennial. Campanula is Latin for ''little bells.''

Uses

Campanulas have a cottage-garden, old-fashioned look, according to "The Book of Outdoor Gardening." The tall varieties provide a vertical accent in back of the garden. They make wonderful cut flowers. Lower-growing varieties are recommended for borders, rock gardens, hanging baskets and flower pots.

Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells, or Calycanthema, are the showiest of the bell flowers. Their satiny bell-within-a-bell blooms have ruffled rims. The flowers are about 2 inches across and are violet blue, dusty rose or white. They grow on a pyramidal shaped stalk as high as 2 feet tall. Mix with foxgloves and larkspur for a cottage look. The related Musical Canterbury bells have mixed colors. Canterbury bells are biennials, with a lifespan of two growing seasons. The flowers develop seeds, which germinate and grow into blooming plants the next season before they die. They are often grown as annuals.

Milky Bellflower

The milky bellflower, or Campanulaceae, is a tall perennial from the Caucasus region. It is best suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9 and reaches 3 to 5 feet tall. The Milky bellflower is topped with clusters of bluish-white to lavender bluebell-shaped flowers. It blooms late spring through early summer and will provide a second flush of blooms if deadheaded. Combine with yarrows or soft yellow mulleins.

Other Types

The Chimney bellflower is the tallest type of bell flower, growing up to 6 feet. Other types of Campanulas include the Loddon anna (pale pink flowers) and great bellflower (purplish-blue flowers). The peach-leaved bellflower and clustered bellflower are lower-growing varieties for borders. The Scotch harebell is the bluebell of literary fame. This dainty blue flower can be found growing wild in hilly and mountainous regions.

Care

Campanulas can be grown from seed or propagated from stem cuttings. The taller varieties need the support of wire cages or stakes. In the winter, protect the stalks of the perennials by piling leaves or mulch around the stems. In northern states, Campanulas can be placed in direct sunlight. In other parts of the country, they need partial shade. They like moist, well-fertilized soil.

References

• ''The Book of Outdoor Gardening''; Editors of Smith & Hawken; 1996
• Campanula Flower