In almost every garden I've had the pleasure of working in I've planted Campanulas, so that something would be in flower when all else had finished. These commoners, not at all fussy in their growing requirements have always been worth a place in the garden.
In my present garden there is a very large Black Walnut tree. Gardeners searching for plants to grow under the toxic shadow of one of these nuisance trees will be pleased to hear that Campanulas tolerate it's poison, and also tolerate shade.
A few recent advancements in the world of Campanulas have made them an even more pleasurable group of plants to work with. Wide-spread enthusiasm has led many perennial propagators to seek out new types to grow, and a few brand-new varieties are available.
You'll find most varieties are hardy and widely available to USDA Hardiness zone 4, although many varieties will tolerate the conditions of Zone 3. They're easy from seed. If you can't find the plants, be sure to look in seed catalogs, both online and off.
10 Lovely Campanulas
Dalmation bellflower (C. portenschlagiana) This has a tidy habit of growth, with 4- top 6-inch (10 to 14 cm) stems in a compact clump and abundant upward-facing bell-like flowers of pale violet in late spring and early summer. Give these some light shade in a site that is well drained but does not dry out, and the tuft will add new rosettes each year. For those of you who need a low-maintenance edging fix, this makes a very nice, earlier-blooming alternative to lobelia. 'Birch's Hybrid', one of the most popular of mounding campanulas, belongs in this large group.
PICTURES and INFO
Campanula portenschlagiana - Photo and Plant-of-the-Month feature
Fairies Thimble (C. cochlearifolia) This one has to be mentioned, because it's very dwarf and with very sweet little bells in white or blue, and also because it's one of Antheas favourites. They measure under 6 inches tall, and grows into healthy tussocks of growth in partial shade. It is one of the best for tumbling over the edges of walls and pots. 'Elizabeth Oliver' is a new Cockleshell that sounds lovely and the pictures look nice too. She will apparently have a beautiful mass of double, sky-blue bells.
PICTURES AND INFO
Campanula cochlearifolia 'Elizabeth Oliver' - Photo and general information
Campanula cochlearifolia - Photo, growing and seeding information
Campanula cochlearifolia - Nice close-up Photo
Adriatic Bellflower (C. garganica)
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