Anyone who thinks that bluebells all look the same is wrong - although there are certain similarities in terms of the shape of the flowers, the numerous species otherwise differ greatly from one another. The differences are due to their geographical origin, as bluebells are at home almost everywhere in the world.
The Marian bellflower grows up to 90cm high
Bluebells are widespread
Bluebells are found almost everywhere in the world. Of the approximately 300 to 500 different species (the exact number and their classification is disputed among botanists), around 20 to 30 can be found wild in Central Europe, most of them in northern Italy, northern Spain, southern France, the Alps and the Caucasus. In the high mountains in particular there are species of bluebells that only thrive in the very limited habitat there. Other Campanula have been specially bred for cultivation in the garden or as a houseplant.
Overview of the most beautiful types of bluebells
In the following table we have put together some of the most beautiful Campanula species that are most suitable for German gardens and balconies.
| kind | Latin name | origin | blossom | heyday | growth height | features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary bellflower | Campanula medium | Italy and southern France | large; blue, pink, violet, white | May to July | 60 to 90 cm | tall |
| Bunch of Bellflowers | C. glomerata | Europe, Iran, Mongolia | dark purple | June to September | 30 to 60 cm | cushiony |
| Peach-leaved Bellflower | C.persicifolia | Austria, Southern Germany | blue to violet | June and July | 30 to 80 cm | tall |
| Hanging Pad Bellflower | C. poscharskyana | Southern Europe | light to dark violet | June and July | 10 to 15 cm | prefers shady locations |
| Star Bellflower | C.isophylla | northern Italy | light blue or white | June and July | 10 to 20 cm | works well for buckets |
| Caucasus Bellflower | C. raddeana | Caucasus | White | May to June | 10 to 30 cm | great for rock gardens |
| Pyramidal Bellflower | C.pyramidalis | North Italy | light blue, light purple or white | June to August | 80 to 150 cm | also known as milk bells |
| Dotted Bellflower | C. punctata | Korea, Japan, China | reddish white | June to July | 40 to 60 cm | prefers partial shade |
| Meadow Bellflower | C. patula | Europe | light purple | June to July | 20 to 70 cm | widespread |
| Broad-leaved Bellflower | C. latifolia | Alps, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt | light blue to light violet | June to August | 60 to 120 cm | grows v. a. at forest edges |
| Dwarf Bellflower | C. cochleariifolia | Alps, Pyrenees | Light Blue | July to August | 5 to 15 cm | very hardy |
tips and tricks
Bellflower species such as the Marian bellflower, the wall bellflower or the hanging cushion bellflower are particularly suitable for planting out in the garden.