6 white and pink varieties
Campanula ‘Pink Octopus’
A unique variety, with fine, delicate and open pale-pink petals on the nodding flowers, almost as if the bellflower has been gently torn apart. The flowers appear from early to midsummer. These are quite vigorous, and suit sunny locations right at the front of a border. HxS: 15x18in (25x45cm).
Campanula persicifolia ‘Alba’
A classic ‘peach-leaved’ bellflower, the stems are relatively sturdy and it will spread via rhizomes to form large clumps in semi-shade and sunnier borders. Also a good choice for larger containers. Plant in moist but well-drained soil and do not let it dry out. HxS: 36x18in (90x45cm).
Campanula punctata ‘Milky Way’
A pretty variety, with pale, almost white double flowers. Perfect for a sunny border, the blooms will keep coming from May through to August so it will look good complementing successionally flowering plants like alliums and poppies.
It also makes a good cut flower. H&S:20in (50cm).
Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ AGM
Known as the milky bellflower, this tall variety might benefit from support in open areas or plant in borders among other upright plants. Good for sunnier areas with moist but fertile soil. Cut back after flowering if you didn’t want it to self-seed. Can be propagated by division. HxS:48x36in (120x90cm).
Campanula medium Pink
A really delicious-looking campanula. In bloom between May and July, it’s a great perennial, with tall, upright stems that suits sun and part-shade, as long as the soil is relatively moist but well drained. It works well in both borders and pots, and as cut flowers. HxS: 30x18in (70x45cm).
Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’
The Korean bellflower is one of the more exotic-looking and this is a great example. It grows in a low-spreading mound with deep green heart-shaped leaves from which the upright stems emerge. Flowering from July to September, it will tolerate a sunny spot. H&S: 36in (60cm).
Do campanulas spread?
Many campanulas spread, either via rhizomatous roots or by selfseeding. This makes them a good choice for ground-cover plants as the often dense mounds of foliage – sometimes semi-evergreen – will suppress unwanted weeds. If you are worried that they will take over and outcompete other plants, they can be easily managed by cutting back flowering stems to stop any seeds forming, or by lifting and dividing large clumps in spring or autumn.
What is the tallest type of campanula?
Among the tallest is Campanula pyramidalis, coming in at a height of 6ft (2m).
How many types of campanula are there?
There are more than 300 species in the family, from alpine jewel-types to tall and elegant flowering spires. The many varieties have been bred for flower power, height and habit. They come from a wide range of areas, originating in dry rocky regions. They also feature in damper, more shaded woodland territories, so there is a campanula to suit almost every situation. With a natural tendency to spread, and good for pollinating insects, there is a variety to suit all planting schemes.