How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Campanula (Bellflowers)

Are you looking for an easy-to-grow and diverse flower to plant this year? Campanula flowers (bellflowers) are beginner-friendly and produce adorable bell-shaped flowers that come in several colors. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers how to plant, grow, and care for these eye-catching bloomers.

Written by Matt Dursum Horticulture review by Sarah Jay Last updated: May 7, 2025 | 9 min read

A close-up shot of a composition of purple colored flowers of the campanula bellflower

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Campanula flowers, also known as bellflowers, are gorgeous spring and summer bloomers. They put on majestic little tubular to bell-shaped flowers that bloom in striking hues of blues, purples, pinks, whites, and violets.

Bellflowers grow low to the ground or tall and upright. Some species have a beautiful trailing growing habit, while others form big clumps of flowers. They’ll quickly form beautiful patches of color in flower beds, cut beds, or garden barriers.

These stunning bloomers are easy to plant and care for, making them perfect for beginner flower gardeners. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for these compact and colorful plants.

Campanula (Bellflower) Overview


Plant Type Perennial flower Family Campanulaceae Genus Campanula Species Campanula spp.	Native Area Europe, Asia, North America Exposure Full sun to partial shade Height 4-60” Watering Requirements Moderate	Pests & Diseases Snails, Slugs, aphids, mites, powdery mildew Maintenance Low Soil Type Well-drained sand and loam Hardiness Zone 4-8

What Is Campanula (Bellflower)?

A composition of deep purple colored blooms and their green foliage, growing along several buds in a well lit area outdoors — These flowers can be annual, perennial, or biennial, and they attract beneficial pollinators.

There are over 300 species of Campanulas to choose from, each one with its own growing habit, color profile, and shape. Depending on your climate zone, you can find annual, perennial, and biennial varieties to plant.

Today, these flowers are some of the most widely planted ornamental plants in the US. They thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. They spread quickly and form large clusters or areas of creeping foliage.

Some species are considered invasive because of their easy-growing and fast-propagating nature. Others, such as the fairy bellflower (Campanula persicifolia), are easier to control because of their upright nature.

One of the best traits of Campanula flowers is their ability to attract beneficial pollinators. Once these tiny flowers bloom, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects will swarm around them.

Characteristics

A close-up shot of a purple flower, showcasing its delicate petals placed in a well lit area — The plant boasts bell or tubular-shaped flowers that come in many colors.

Bellflowers come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some species grow upright while others form a trailing or clumping structure.

The flowers usually have a bell or tubular shape. Some species appear to have star-shaped blooms. They come in many colors, including violet, white, blue, purple, and pink.

The foliage is light to dark green and beautiful. Some species stay low-lying and barely reach 6 inches tall. Others can reach heights of over 3 feet in the right growing conditions.

Many species, such as the creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), are invasive in many parts of the US. Because of this, it’s best to stick to non-invasive campanula species, such as the American bellflower and the Dalmatian bellflower.

Native Area

A composition of developing tubular-shaped purple-pink flowers placed in a well lit area outdoors — The flowers are native to Europe and Asia.

Bellflowers are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, where they grow in meadows, forest margins, and forests. They adapted to multiple habitats and climates, producing over 300 species.

Some species are edible and were consumed regularly in medicinal teas and as foraged food. These edible flowers also became choice ornamentals in many regions of Europe and Asia because of their easy-growing nature.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, European gardeners brought them to North America. The plants quickly naturalized in many parts of the US. Today, several species are seen as invasive and grow wild.

Planting

A shot of a hanging basket with growing purple colored blooms in a well lit area outdoors — The flowers are easy to grow from seed, and some varieties can be planted in hanging baskets.

Bellflowers are easy to grow from seed. Plant them as colorful ground covers or in garden borders. Many gardeners plant them along rock walls or hillsides for a dramatic effect.

I enjoy planting taller annual varieties along the borders of my cut gardens. They frame taller flowers nicely and contrast with deeper and darker colored flowers.

Be aware that some perennial varieties grow quickly and can become invasive in some locations. Because of their vigorous growing habits, it’s best to stick to annuals unless you’re ready for consistent pruning and upkeep.

Some trailing varieties grow well in hanging planters. You can hang these containers on porches and decks that get direct sunlight.

Transplanting

A shot of a transplanted flower placed on top of a white surface in a well lit area — Transplant the flowers by digging them up in clumps during spring or fall.

The best way to transplant campanula flowers is by digging up clumps in the spring or fall. You can also transplant young cuttings. These flowers are incredibly resilient and can survive transplant shock very easily.

Transplant your cutting or divided clumps into well-drained soil. Amend the soil with a light application of organic compost and diluted organic fertilizer. A balanced formula works the best for these flowers. Keep the soil moist after transplanting.

Growing From Seed

A shot of a developing seedling of a flower growing in soil in a well lit area outdoors — Plant the seeds in an area with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Depending on the species, you may need to cold stratify your seeds. Do this by sowing in fall, or by placing the seeds in a paper towel in the fridge for up to five weeks. Then locate an outdoor area with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Gently press your seeds into the soil and do not cover. They’ll use the sunlight to germinate. After planting, keep the soil moist by watering. Don’t over-saturate the soil, or your seeds may not germinate. After about 2 weeks, you should see your Campanula seedlings emerge.

How to Grow

Bellflowers are very easy to grow. If you’re a beginning gardener looking for a colorful groundcover that attracts pollinators, these flowers are a great fit. Below are a few tips for growing healthy bellflowers in your flower beds and yard.

Light

Plant these flowers in an area with full sun to partial shade. Avoid areas with full shade, such as shady woodlands or under tall crops like sunflowers. Areas with brief afternoon shade during the peak of summer are ideal.

Water

To get your flowers to stay healthy, they’ll need consistently moist soil. The trick is keeping your soil moist but not soggy.

Water your flowers in the morning to avoid over-saturating the leaves and foliage. If you notice the soil is soggy, take a pause on watering until it drains completely.

Soil

Bellflowers (Campanula species) are not picky with soil types. These flowers evolved over time in a variety of conditions in Asia and Europe.

The best soil is loamy or sandy, with excellent drainage. Amend your soil with organic material such as compost for the best results.

If you live in an area prone to high summer temperatures and droughts, add a layer of mulch like this one around your plants. This will help seal in the moisture and cultivate a healthy biome below the surface.

Temperature and Humidity

A shot of several blue-purple colored flowers and its green foliage growing in a well lit area outdoors — Most species can thrive in zones 3 through 8, and some in zones 7 through 8.

Most bellflower species can thrive in zones 4 through 8. Some species are perennial in warmer zones 7 through 8.

Most varieties prefer growing in areas with cooler summers. They thrive with moderate humidity and don’t do well in tropical and subtropical areas such as the U.S. South or Hawaii.

Fertilizing

Gloved hand sprinkling small white granular fertilizer pellets onto a thick patch of bright green grass. — Provide the plants with an organic slow-release fertilizer.

The best time to feed your bellflowers is in spring when your plants are young. Use an organic slow-release plant food that has a balanced NPK ratio. Always dilute the fertilizer and avoid getting it directly on your plants. After applying, water your soil well so the fertilizer absorbs into the ground evenly.

I like to amend my soil before planting with organic compost. These extra macro and micro nutrients help your plants as they grow in the spring.

As they bloom, you can stop fertilizing unless your soil needs more nutrients. If your flowers are losing their brilliant color or growing slowly, feed them with diluted plant food during the summer.

Maintenance

A shot of upright growing variety of purple colored flowers in a well lit area outdoors — The plant needs very little maintenance.

Annual varieties need very little maintenance. They don’t need pruning and can survive easily after planting. As long as they get enough sunlight and water, they’ll thrive in almost any region of the temperate US.

Some perennial trailing varieties will need consistent cutting back to avoid spreading throughout your garden. These vigorous plants can become invasive in many parts of the U.S.

Stick to planting annuals or varieties with upright growth. These plants will be easier to maintain and won’t pose a risk to the natural environment.

Propagation

You can propagate your Campanula flowers by dividing or taking cuttings. They are incredibly resilient and easy to move to new growing locations.

Cuttings

In spring, take a clipping of a 4-inch-long new shoot with clean pruners. Leave 2 to 3 leaves on the top of the shoot.

Gently plant the shoot in a container with well-drained soil amended with a little organic compost. While your plant takes hold in its new soil, cover it with a germination dome or plastic bag with holes. This will help keep the moisture high and temperature regulated for the cutting as it grows new roots.

Keep the cutting moist, and after a few weeks, give your young plant a gentle pull to check its root development. If you feel a little tug, it means the roots have taken hold. Once the plant has put on new growth, transplant it to a larger container or outdoors.

Division

A shot of a person in the process of digging and dividing plants in a well lit area outdoors — The flowers can also be propagated by dividing their patch and placing them in a new location.

Division is a great way to propagate healthy patches of Campanula flowers. Look for the healthiest patch of flowers to divide.

Start by gently loosening the soil around your plants. With a clean shovel, dig down to the bottom of the long taproots. Gently loosen the soil around the taproots and gently pull clumps of Campanula flowers out of the ground.

Use a clean cultivator like this one to break up the soil further and separate the clumps. Next, choose a new garden location for your flowers and dig a hole as deep as the taproots. Amend the new soil with compost and plant the clumps carefully. Once they’re in the new location, give them a gentle watering and keep the soil moist.

Popular Varieties

There are over 300 species and multiple popular varieties of bellflowers to choose from. Below are a few of the most common and easiest varieties to grow.

Star of Bethlehem

Star of Bethlehem (Campanula isophylla) is also known as trailing bellflower. This is one of the most popular varieties globally. The plant is usually grown as an annual and is one of the easiest bellflowers to maintain and control.

It produces beautiful purple flowers that grow in clumps. This variety is a magnet for pollinators and makes wonderful groundcover and flower borders.

American Bellflower

A close-up shot of several lilac- colored blooms of the Americana variety of plants. — This variety produces blue to violet colored flowers that have an upright growth.

American bellflower (Campanula americana) is a popular upright variety. It evolved as a North American hybrid and is one of the easiest varieties to grow.

It produces gorgeous blue to violet-colored flowers throughout the summer. This variety grows up to six feet high if the conditions are right.

Clustered Bellflower

A shot of a composition of purple flowers atop a sturdy stem of the Glomerata variety — This species produces clusters of bell-shaped flowers that grow upright.

Clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata) is a gorgeous perennial variety that’s easy to control. Its flowers have a traditional bell-shaped appearance. You can find cultivars with purple to white flowers.

The clustered bellflower grows upright and stays relatively short-statured. It’s a great addition to garden borders and containers.

Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells (Campanula punctata) is another popular variety that grows upright. It produces pink to white flowers that have a soft, drooping appearance.

This variety can grow to over 2 feet high. In many regions of the U.S., you can grow it as a perennial.

Fairy Bellflower

A close-up shot of a composition of lilac colored blooms of the Fairy variety of flowers — The variety boasts blue to white and violet bell-shaped flowers that can grow over 3 feet tall.

Fairy bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is another upright variety that’s easy to care for. It produces large, upright flowers that grow to over 3 feet tall. Cultivars produce blue to white and violet bell-shaped flowers.

You can grow fairy bellflower as a perennial in many parts of the US. It will handle frost and cool winters.

Carpathian Bellflower

An overhead shot of several developing purple colored, bell-shaped flowers of the Carpathian variety. — The variety produces blue and purple bell-shaped flowers.

Carpathian bellflower (Campanula carpatica) is a popular species for growing as a colorful groundcover. It produces radiant blue and purple bell-shaped flowers. You can get this variety to thrive as a perennial in many parts of the US.

Serbian Bellflower

An overhead shot of several white to lilac colored flowers of the Serbian variety — This variety boasts light lavender colored flowers with a white center that grows just under a foot tall.

Serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) grows as a perennial in zones 3 through 9. It produces gorgeous blue to purple bell-shaped flowers. Its flowers have a light lavender to white center.

This variety stays short, under a foot tall. It makes a wonderful border flower for yards, rock walls, and patios.

Common Problems

The biggest growing problem for bellflowers is their vigorous habit. Some varieties, such as the creeping bellflower, are invasive in many regions of the US.

There are also a few common pests and diseases to watch out for. Many of these problems are created by overwatering and growing in poor environments.

Pests

A shot of a snail feeding on a purple colored flower in a well lit area outdoors — Snails, slugs, aphids, and mites are common pests of the flower.

Garden snails and slugs are the biggest enemies of bellflowers. These pests will eat the leaves and occasionally the flowers.

Aphids and mites can also pose a threat to your plants. You’ll notice trails of sticky honeydew on the undersides of the leaves.

To prevent these pests, cultivate a healthy ecosystem of helpful predators around your garden. Birds and wasps are some of the best predators to keep unwanted pests away from your flowers. Toads consume snails and slugs.

Diseases

The leaf shows a white, powdery coating on its surface, with yellowing edges and a distorted, wilted appearance. — Powdery mildew forms on overly moist foliage.

Powdery mildew is the most common disease to infect bellflowers. This mildew forms on foliage that’s overly moist. If left unchecked, powdery mildew can interrupt photosynthesis and lead to stunted growth.

The best way to prevent powdery mildew from killing your flowers is by spacing your plants out. This provides plenty of airflow between your flowers.

It’s also important to water in the morning so your soil and foliage have time to dry. Monitor your plants for signs of diseases, and don’t be afraid to thin out overgrown sections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellflower seeds are typically small and oval. They are usually brown to dark brown.

Most species are not considered toxic. Some are edible. However, it’s best not to consume them unless you know for certain that they’re an edible variety.

Some varieties of bellflowers are invasive. The most common is the creeping bellflower. Avoid planting this variety and choose upright varieties instead.

Bellflowers come in a variety of colors. Usually they’re blue, violet, purple, and white. Some varieties are pink while others have multiple colors on their petals.