Because of their pretty flowers, bluebells are a popular ornament in many gardens. Some types of bellflowers even grow in a creeping manner or form thick plant cushions over time through self-sowing. Ideal conditions for planting these specimens as ground cover under trees or in the rock garden.
Which bluebells are suitable as ground cover?
Bellflowers can serve as attractive ground cover, particularly suitable species are the hanging bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana), star bellflower (Campanula isophylla), dwarf bellflower (Campanula cochleariifolia), Carpathian bellflower (Campanula carpatica) and star bellflower (Campanula garganica). They thrive under trees, in rock gardens and on the edges of trees.
Ground cover for the rock garden
Numerous types of bellflowers are ideal for ground-covering planting in the rock garden. Plants for this area are usually small in stature, grow in a creeping or cushion-like manner. In addition to the actual rock garden, dry stone walls, stone stairs and rubble mats also belong to this area of life. Although most typical rock garden plants prefer sun or at least a predominantly sunny location, specialists who produce the various types of bellflowers thrive excellently on the shady side of the wall. Another advantage is that waterlogging cannot form so quickly in such locations - deadly for many plants, including bluebells.
Bellflower as a ground cover for trees and woody edges
Many areas in the garden are temporarily in the shade, but also temporarily exposed to the sun. Depending on the direction of the compass, the plants get several hours of sun on the edges of trees, on walls and buildings, while they are in the shade for the rest of the day. Under light bushes, on the other hand, a kind of filter is created, which is then referred to as scattered or light shadows. Many species of bluebells also grow in their natural habitat at the edge of the forest, which is why such a location is perfect for them.
Bluebells suitable as ground cover
Many of the estimated 300 to 500 different species of bluebells grow rather low and sometimes even creep. The star bellflower, for example, develops long tendrils, while other varieties tend to develop thick cushions. These are a very pretty sight, especially when they are in bloom.
| Art | Latin name | Bloom | Flowering time | Growth height | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanging Cushion Bellflower | Campanula poscharskyana | light to dark purple | June and July | 10 to 15 cm | prefers shady locations |
| Star Bellflower | Campanula isophylla | light blue or white | June and July | 10 to 20 cm | also for keeping in containers |
| Dwarf Bellflower | Campanula cochleariifolia | light blue | July to August | 5 to 15 cm | excellent winter hardiness |
| Carpathian bellflower | Campanula carpatica | blue, violet or white | June to August | 30 to 50 cm | numerous varieties |
| Star Cushion Bellflower | Campanula garganica | light purple | June to August | 10 to 20 cm | deciduous |
Tips & Tricks
Blue bellflowers in particular harmonize wonderfully with lady's mantle, roses, saxifrage, purple bells, peony carnations and sedum.