Bluebells (Campanula) are usually classified as perennials, i.e. H. They are perennial, herbaceous plants that overwinter thanks to their underground rhizomes. However, this does not apply to all types of bluebells, as some are only annual or biennial.
Is the bellflower perennial or annual?
Bluebells (Campanula) are perennials that can overwinter thanks to their underground rhizomes. However, some types of bluebells are annual or biennial and need to be re-sown regularly.
Bluebells keep coming
As perennials, most types of bellflowers form rhizomes from which the plants sprout every year. This has the advantage that the bellflower in question will come back even if its above-ground parts have frozen over the winter. In this case, simply cut down the frozen and dead shoots vigorously so that the fresh ones have enough space to sprout. However, among the numerous different types of bellflowers, there are also some that are only annual or biennial. At least for the two-year-old varieties, however, it can be said that they mostly behave like short-lived perennials if they are cut back before the seeds ripen. The popular St. Mary's bellflower also belongs to this group.
Overwintering perennial bluebells
Many annuals are also perennials in their homeland, but they regularly freeze to death in our climatic conditions and therefore have to be sown again every year. However, you can easily overwinter such specimens under cold house conditions: bluebells need a frost-free, dark environment that is cool to a maximum of 10 °C. Other, quite winter-hardy species, however, remain in the garden and are only provided with winter protection. It is particularly important to protect the root area, as the plant will sprout again from there. However, if the above-ground parts freeze away, it won't be too dramatic.
Tips & Tricks
Remember that annual and biennial bluebells need to be reseeded regularly. You can also leave this to the plant itself, for example by not cutting off the withered inflorescences. This gives the seeds a chance to self-sow. Alternatively, you can of course also collect the ripe seeds, prepare them accordingly and sow them later.
