Border campanulas

RHS Genus Guide

These robust plants, commonly known as bellflowers, are classic border perennials with lots of garden uses. Plant shorter-growing varieties at the front of a border, taller types with roses and other lofty perennials. Spreading types are good in meadow or naturalistic plantings.

RHS/Tim Sandall

Appearance

Border campanulas come in many shapes and sizes. They have characteristic bell-shaped, tubular or star-shaped flowers in spring and summer and are mostly blue or purple, occasionally pink or white. They often make spreading clumps and can be strongly upright with stout stems, bearing green leaves.

Preferences

Border campanulas will grow in a range of well-drained soils, ideally improved with garden compost or well-rotted manure, in sun or partial shade.

Dislikes

Very wet soil can lead to the roots rotting. Flowering will not be good in deep shade. In an exposed, windy garden, attach tall stems to canes driven into the ground to keep stems upright.

Did you know?

Don't be tempted to cut back flower heads of C. persicifolia. When the first flowers finish, leave the stems as new flowers will appear soon after the first flush is over.

RHS Growing Guide