Campanula

Botanical/Latin
   Campanula

Pronunciation
   Kam-pan-yew-lah

Common Name
   Bellflower

Hardiness zone range
   3 - 7

General Comments
These handsome plants with bell-shaped flowers are part of a huge plant group (over 300 species) that includes annuals, biennials, and perennial forms. Increasing all the time in popularity, they are valued for their poise and beauty and especially for the shades of blue (the choicest color in the plant world). Some are white and a few are pink, but by far the most popular are the ones that come in shades of blue. Our selections range in height from 9 inches to over 3 foot tall, and are made up of the ones that, in our experience, tolerate summer heat best in the eastern states of North America.

Uses
The small, compact forms are great for spilling over the edges of containers and raised beds, in rock gardens, or as edging where they form rounded, spreading tufts that are literally covered in little cup-shaped flowers. The taller forms are valuable in mixed beds and borders, rising up to display their bells on long flower stems above surrounding foliage. In perennial borders, the early summer flowers help to bridge the "June gap"; this refers to a lean period of flowering, between spring and summer, when the glories of spring have past, and the height of summer flowering perennials has yet to unfold. They make good cut flowers, so they can be included in a cutting garden. As a general rule, they prefer cool summer conditions, so a lightly shaded position is ideal. They could be used in town gardens, where the shade of tall buildings works to their advantage, or in lightly shaded woodland sites.

Light Preference
Best in partial shade, they will grow in sunny conditions providing they have fertile soil and ample moisture.

Culture
They perform best in loamy, fertile, well drained soils that retain moisture in dry weather. This can be enhanced by adding compost or other humus media at planting time and mulching afterwards; a regular light fertilization with a well balanced fertilizer also helps to keep them lush and vigorous. Most types prefer alkaline soils, so adding lime to keep the pH above neutral is beneficial. After flowering, cut back dead heads and any old leaves; this will encourage fresh growth, and, with some types, encourage repeat flowering.

Background
The name comes from Latin and means "Little Bell" which describes the nodding flowers on the dwarf species found in the mountains of Europe. Campanulas are native to the northern Hemisphere, have a wide natural distribution, and have been used as garden plants since ancient times. Their popularity in Europe extended right across the social scale. They could be found growing in the gardens of humble cottages or in the elaborate layouts around grand stately homes. Common names like Canterbury bells and Coventry bells reflect their place in the gardens of England.

Splendor Suggestions
The dwarf forms are natural rock garden plants, forming spreading mounds in and around calcareous rocks and rocky crevices. Try an adaptation of this by placing them between paving stones, in the corners of steps, or in retaining stone

Companion Plants
The cool, refreshing colors of Campanula persicifolia (blue and white) blend beautifully with pink and white Astilbes and the larger growing Aruncus diocius (Goat's beard). The soft green foliage of Hostas and lady fern, Athyrium filix-femina, and the cool yellow of Digitalis grandiflora make nice subtle partners. The smaller types are wonderful when placed along the front of borders with a silvery carpet of Lamium 'White Nancy' or the pink form, 'Shell Pink'. In raised beds or sunnier positions, the pink flowers and low habit of the little Geranium cinereum 'Ballerina' and Dianthus (Pinks) blend and compliment nicely.