Bellflower

Campanula glomerata (kam-PAN-yoo-lah glo-mer-AY-tah)

Family: Campanulaceae Non-native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Clustered bellflower is a clumping, erect, herbaceous perennial that is native to most of Europe and temperate western Asia, and is found in woodlands, meadows, or along rocky slopes. It grows from 6 to 24 inches tall with basal rosettes of green, lanceolate-shaped leaves, and clustered, upward-facing, bell-shaped, violet to lavender blue flowers. It is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name, Campanula, is derived from the Latin word campana, meaning bell, and refers to its bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, glomerata , is derived from the Latin word glomeratus , meaning clustered, and refers to its densely clustered flowers. This plant grows well in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to part shade. If your summer climate is cool, site the plant in full sun; however, if the summer climate is hot, you will have more success with a site in partial shade. Regardless of the site, the plant requires regular moisture. To encourage reblooming, promptly deadhead or remove spent flower stems. The clustered bellflower naturalizes by rhizomes and can be invasive, particularly in moist soils. To keep the plant growing vigorously while preventing it from spreading indiscriminately, divide the clumps in the fall every 3 to 5 years. This plant can self-seed and spread. The clustered bellflower grows upright and is long-stalked. It has a clump of dense foliage consisting of medium-green, lance-shaped, basal leaves. The individual flowers are upward-facing, bell-shaped, and violet to lavender blue, forming a dense terminal cluster at the top of a long stem. Each cluster can contain up to 15 flowers. The stems measure 12 to 18 inches in length and have narrower, shorter leaves than the basal leaves. Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Plant in groups or mass plantings for the most impact and ornamental appeal. Best used in rock gardens, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas. Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Monitor for snails, slugs, spider mites, vine weevils, and aphids. May be susceptible to powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and blight..

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 60 attributes.