Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The genus of the bellflower family includes a large variety of different species. We have compiled the most popular types for you.
Bellflowers (Campanulaceae) are as diverse as the bluebells (Campanula) themselves. Many look similar to bluebells. Others, such as the lobelia (Lobelia), do not appear to be related at first glance. You can find out which genera are related here.
Bellflower family
The bellflowers (Campanula) are only a small genus within the family of the bellflower plants (Campanulaceae), which contains over 1000 species. Because of this diversity, crossword puzzles often ask about specific bluebell plants.
Lobelias
Another genus of the bellflower family besides the bluebells are the lobelia (Lobelia). They come from the tropics and subtropics don't seem to have much in common with bluebells. Nevertheless, the often woody and perennial plants are related to the bluebell. But even among the lobelia themselves, the diversity is extremely high. While the Lobelia deckenii appears robust and prickly on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the Lobelia gattingeri looks rather delicate and dainty.
Balloon Flowers
The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) looks a lot more like the bluebells. It comes from Asia and is the only species in its genus of Platycodon. The bloated buds just before they open are distinctive. The plant is perennial and can grow up to 70 centimeters high.
Devil's Claws
Devil's Claws (Phyteuma) attract attention with their claw-shaped inflorescences. However, they can only be found above 600 meters in altitude. Devil's claws are quite common in the Alps. Outside of Europe, only one species occurs in the mountains of Morocco.
Bellflowers
The genus of bluebells alone (Campanula) has more than 300 species.That's why we're going to introduce you to some special species.
The following species are particularly beautiful:
- Peach-leaved Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia): This beautiful bellflower, which can reach a height of up to 80 centimetres, is wonderful among perennials or as an embellishment for garden fences. Varieties with white, blue or purple flowers are often found.
- Bellflower (Campanula medium): The large flowers of the biennial bellflower form perfect bells. It looks great in gardens and as a cut flower in bouquets.
- Dalmatian Cushion Bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana): This species of bellflower is native to Croatia. It grows cushion-like in rock gardens and as a ground cover and does not show any signs even down to -30 °C. The Dalmatian cushion bellflower is a perennial and evergreen. In summer, their purple flowers delight hoverflies, several species of butterflies and bees.
- Meadow Bellflower (Campanula patula): The meadow bellflower thrives in fresh and nutrient-rich meadows throughout Eurasia. It is easy to care for and perfectly adapted to the conditions in German-speaking countries. You can mix this bellflower into your lawn, keep it in a pot or plant it among your perennials. It fits pretty much anywhere it's sunny.
- Dotted bellflower (Campanula punctata): This Asian type of bellflower has tubular flowers. It is found in white and pink and is often lightly spotted, giving it its name. This species comes from Asia.
- Dwarf Bellflower (Campanula cochleariifolia): A very small, only a few centimeters high and creeping species is the dwarf bellflower. On rather humus-poor soil, it feels comfortable as a ground cover. The plant is perennial and has its flowering period in midsummer between July and August.
- Campanula glomerata (Campanula glomerata): The blue-purple flowers of the clustered bellflower are clustered close together. The perennial plant grows to a maximum height of 60 centimeters. She likes it warm and not too wet.
- Carpathian bellflower (Campanula carpatica): Depending on the variety, the Carpathian bellflower can reach a height of up to 50 centimeters and is more or less intensely blue-violet in color. As her name suggests, she comes from the mountain range of theCarpathians, where it occurs in rocky places. Accordingly, the plant feels well in rock gardens and dry stone walls.
If you are still interested in the bluebell, you will find all information on the subject here.