Bluebells, recognizable by their typically bell-shaped flowers, are popular ornamental plants for the garden, balcony or even the room.
What is a bluebell?
Bluebells (Campanula) are perennial, herbaceous shrubs with bell-shaped, hermaphrodite flowers. They come in around 300 to 500 species and belong to the bellflower family. Popular species for gardens and rooms are the double bellflower (C. isophylla) and wall bellflower (C.portenschlagiana).
Botanical classification
The approximately 300 to 500 different species of bellflowers (Campanula in Latin) - exactly how many there are is not known with certainty - belong to the bellflower family and form the largest plant genus within it. They are closely related to plants such as devil's claw, balloon flower and lobelia, which belong to the same plant family.
Description of appearance
Bluebells are mostly perennial, herbaceous perennials, many species of which grow in a cushiony manner, but others tend to cover the ground. The flowers are shaped like a bell and are mostly hermaphrodite; the wild forms have blue or violet colors. However, there are now also numerous cultivated forms that can also be colored white, pink, orange or light yellow. Bluebells reproduce primarily through seeds.
Occurrence and distribution
Campanula is widespread across the globe, although many species only occur in a specific, narrow distribution area. Around 30 different wild forms are known in Central Europe, most of which are native to the Mediterranean region and the high mountains (especially the Alps). There are also numerous cultivated forms that are kept as ornamental plants in home gardens or as potted plants.
Usage
Bluebells are popular ornamental plants that feel at home both planted out in the garden and in pots. Different species are particularly suitable for certain purposes, although all bellflowers can generally be cultivated in a pot. Not every Campanula species is suitable for planting out or as a houseplant. Many bellflowers are not sufficiently hardy (especially those native to the Mediterranean region) and are therefore better overwintered in a pot according to their needs. Others are not suitable as houseplants, but need a location in the fresh air. The various varieties of the double bellflower (Campanula isophylla) and the wall bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) are particularly suitable for keeping as houseplants.
Site conditions
Campanula thrives - depending on the species and variety - best in sunny to partially shaded locations. What all species have in common, however, is that they prefer nutrient-rich and humus-rich soils, which should also be fresh rather than dry. Many bellflowers can be easily cultivated in rock gardens because they tolerate the heat radiating from the stones very well.
Tips & Tricks
Many types of bellflowers reproduce virtually by themselves through self-sowing, but they also spread very quickly in the garden. If you want to prevent this, you can cut back the dead plants in autumn.