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Bellflowers are named for the distinctive shape and are part of the family campanula which has its roots in the Latin, campana or "bell."

Popular varieties seen in rock gardens and along flower edgings are the Harebell and perhaps most notably, the Canterbury Bell with its associations dating back to Chaucer and medieval times.

Offsetting their delicate form are the vivid colors of many varieties of bellflowers - ringing out in vivid blue, violet, pink, rose, gold or white.

Bellflowers prefer well-drained soil and, for most varieties, a partly shady spot in the garden will usually do. Blooms begin in mid-summer and last until the first light frosts of autumn.

Hardy perennials, bellflowers usually don't require protection or mulching for overwintering.

On the Web - How to plant & grow bellflowers :

Paghat's Garden: Campanula persicifolia "Blue Bellflower" - Interesting facts, information, pictures, related trivia, quotes & historical references are featured in these nicely done personal pages by an avid gardener with more on a Canterbury Bells, Korean bellflowers and a wide variety of other species.

BBC Gardening - Campanula, Bellflower - Pictures & information on their use in borders & wildflower gardens, with descriptions of several recommended varieties, growing tips, pests to watch for, and places to view them in the UK.

Creeping Bellflower - What to do if they invade your manicured lawn, with tips on using recommended herbicides and weed killers, from University of Minnesota extension.

also see in Flower Gardening -> Asters

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