Bellflower (Campanula latifolia)
Tall, strikingly flowered Campanula latifolia (Bellflower) thrives in zones 4-8, offering large purplish-blue blooms.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Broad-leaved bellflower, Campanula latifolia, is a stately herbaceous perennial prized for its robust height and dramatic, large, bell-shaped flowers. This tall, coarse Bellflower provides excellent vertical interest in perennial borders and woodland settings across the garden season. Arriving in early summer, the distinctive purplish-blue blossoms make Campanula latifolia a standout feature wherever it is sited.
This species is relatively easy to cultivate, thriving in average, medium, well-drained soil under conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. Gardeners should note that it prefers sunnier spots in cooler northern regions but benefits from light afternoon shade where summers are intensely hot. Its low-maintenance nature combined with its tendency to spread by rhizomes and self-seeding makes it an excellent choice for naturalized or cottage garden settings.
The large, ovate-oblong leaves form an attractive basal rosette before the hairy flower stems shoot skyward, often reaching four feet tall. If you are seeking reliable summer color and structure without demanding constant attention, the Great Bellflower is a superb addition, capable of naturalizing beautifully throughout established landscapes.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Campanulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Europe, western Asia, Siberia, Himalaya
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-4 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to July
- Bloom Description: Purplish-blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting Campanula latifolia is best achieved in spring or early fall, ensuring the soil is average, medium in texture, and well-drained. This Bellflower particularly appreciates neutral to slightly alkaline soil compositions. Locate it where it receives full sun if you are gardening in cooler northern climates, but plan for afternoon shade protection if your summers are consistently hot.
Care for this perennial is straightforward. Ensure it receives regular moisture, especially during dry spells, as it prefers consistently moist conditions. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile. To encourage repeat blooming and manage its spreading habit, cut back the stems after the primary flush in summer concludes.
Long-term management involves dividing clumps every three to four years during the fall, especially if the plant begins to look overcrowded or performance wanes. Be aware that Campanula latifolia spreads readily through both underground rhizomes and prolific self-seeding, so intentional placement is recommended to prevent it from dominating smaller species.
Landscape Uses
The primary role for Campanula latifolia in the landscape is naturalizing it in open woodland areas or informal settings. It works wonderfully when massed or grouped together to create bold sweeps of color against darker foliage. This Bellflower is highly recommended for cottage gardens where its height provides structure toward the rear of the border.
Due to its somewhat coarse texture when not in bloom, it is generally considered too dominant for highly prominent foreground locations. Instead, use it to blend wilder areas or to fill in larger spaces needing a reliable, tall perennial that offers excellent summer interest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Campanula latifolia, sometimes commonly called great bellflower, is a tall, coarse, upright bellflower that is native from Europe to Kashmir. It is a clump-forming perennial that typically grows 3-4’ (less frequently to 5’) tall. Large, tubular, bell-like, purplish-blue flowers (to 2.5” long) appear in the upper leaf axils and in short terminal clusters (racemes) in early summer. Genus name comes from the Latin campana meaning bell in reference to the bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet means broad-leaved.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Campanula latifolia is generally robust and rarely struggles with serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its low maintenance profile. The primary concern for gardeners is managing its vigorous spread; it can aggressively colonize garden space via its rhizomes and heavy self-seeding under ideal conditions. Taller plants may occasionally require staking or other forms of structural support to prevent flopping, especially in windy locations or overly rich soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bellflower suitable for?
Campanula latifolia performs reliably in USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Bellflower grow?
This perennial typically reaches mature heights between 3 and 4 feet, with a spread of 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Bellflower bloom?
The handsome purplish-blue flowers of this Bellflower appear throughout the summer months, specifically from June into July.
What sun exposure does Bellflower need?
This plant performs best in an environment described as full sun to part shade, adapting its preference based on summer heat intensity.
Conclusion
The enduring nature and dramatic vertical display offered by the Campanula latifolia make it a garden staple for creating structured, low-maintenance borders. Its resistance to deer and adaptability to varying light conditions solidify its value as a vigorous Bellflower. Check your local USDA zone compatibility and plan to plant this summer bloomer during spring or fall for established success.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Campanula latifolia, focus on plants that prefer similar medium moisture levels and can tolerate its height without being completely overshadowed. Consider pairing it with plants that bloom before or after the Bellflower to ensure sequential color interest. Good companions include hostas (for contrasting leaf texture in partial shade) or sturdy, upright salvias that appreciate similar soil pH.
Propagation Tips
The easiest way to manage and propagate established clumps of Campanula latifolia is through division. In fall, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate the younger, outer divisions or roots that show forming buds. Replant these divisions immediately into the prepared garden soil at the same depth they were previously growing. Due to its prolific self-seeding, you can also intentionally allow seed heads to mature partially to ensure a supply of new plants next season.
