Highly touted by Graham Stuart Thomas, who once referred to it as “a picture of poise and beauty,” this vigorous, clump-forming Campanula hosts a multitude of imposing one-sided spires, packed with creamy white bells from top to bottom. Prominent calyces clasp 2 in. long, nodding blooms, which elegantly illuminate the handsome, long-petioled heart-shaped leaves below.

Blooms July–August

Size: 18" – 2' 0" high x 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Endemic to the meadows and open woodlands of the Polish Alps and Italian Dolomites plus a region in Norway, this exquisite, seldom offered alpine beauty is named for the unique hairy fringe that extends from nodding porcelain-blue flower tips. Bearded Bellflower’s delicate blooms prance on erect, nearly leafless stems, rising from narrow, lance-shaped pale green foliage. Sustained by a large perennial taproot, the small rough-textured basal rosette begs lime-free, not-so-rich, well- drained soil in the rockery, scree garden or a raised bed, where it may be short-lived but happily reseeds.

Blooms May–July

Size: 8" – 15" high x 8" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

In light of the notion that “new” is not always better, there’s nothing like welcoming back a hard working old friend. Large showy lavender-blue bells flower freely, nodding on graceful 8 in. stems above tidy low mounds of toothed, crisp green foliage. Visually cooling brickwork, small rocks or stone paving in bright sunny spots, this carefree Campanula can be paired with Dianthus ‘Charles Musgrave’ or pink flowering Saponaria x oliviana.

Blooms June–August.

Size: 6" high x 15" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

All the way from the Carpathian Mountains comes this lively Campanula with winsome mounds of saw-toothed bright green foliage. A profusion of cup-shaped, papery blue flowers face the sky and embellish any rock garden or border.

Blooms late July–September

Size: 6" high x 12" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Cool your summer garden with the fresh colors of spring. In partial shade, the vibrant golden foliage and plentiful clear-water blue flowers of ‘Dickson’s Gold’ will literally glow with life. For even more delectable blue, plant with Salvia forsskaolii in the rockery or along a wall.

Blooms June–August.

Size: 6" high x 20" wide.

Hardy to zone 6.

Featured in showy rounded heads, pastel-hued flowers surmount stocky upright stems loosely attired with small sessile leaves. Each long-lasting cluster houses up to 15 small blooms, described by deep mauve tips, aged pale blushed petals and newer more saturated amethyst-pink ones for a distinctive 2-toned effect. Large long-petioled foliage—hairy, toothed, and ovate-shaped—forms a verdant slowly spreading basal clump that relishes even moisture and exhibits more heat tolerance than most glomerata species. Seldom offered and easily cultivated, ‘Caroline’ can be associated with pink-blooming Persicaria ‘Dimity’.

Blooms June–August

Size: 12" – 18" high x 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 3.

Kudos to the acclaimed Dutch plant breeder Arie Blom for this floriferous midsized charmer. Paying homage to the Norse goddess of love and agriculture, who adored spring, flowers and fairies, ‘Freya’ premiers small, starry, lilac-purple blooms squeezed onto ample rounded clusters. Beneath the lovely long-lasting blossoms that enchant florists, gardeners, butterflies and hummingbirds, a dapper, noninvasive clump-forming rosette sprouts long, toothed somewhat hairy foliage plus multiple upright, strong, well-branched stems. (pp#22,738)

Blooms May–June

Size: 15" – 18" high x 15" – 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 3.

Large, waxy dark violet-blue flowers hang like lanterns on 3 to 4 ft. stems above glossy basal foliage. We plant this quick colonizing offspring of Campanula takesimana among other vigorous perennials such as Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Sunbeam’ at the front of the border.

Blooms June–October

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Though its name conjures visions of tumbling snow, this sublime and reliable perennial manifests glistening masses of large, bell-shaped snowy white flowers in well-formed clusters. The lovely, long-lasting summertime blooms are bolstered by stout branched stems and tidy, pointed midgreen leaves. Tailor-made for a cottage garden or mixed planting, ‘Avalanche’ becomes a refreshing counterpoint to warm-hued blossoms on a hot afternoon.

Blooms July–September

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Shapely branching heads of soft pink bellflowers crest firm stems lined in pointed leaves, and with Boltonia ‘Snowbank’ nearby, create a perfect duet for harmony and support. We love this plant just as much in winter when we pull back the mulch to see its crisp fleshy white buds slumbering away the cold months.

Blooms July–September

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

You can’t see the foliage for the flowers in this soft puff of pale lavender-blue. We initially encountered this lovely dwarf Blooms of Bressingham selection of C. lactiflora nearly 30 years ago in a garden designed by Beatrix Ferrand, and we’re thrilled to have it available again. Conical panicles are packed with dainty bell-shaped blooms above a compact lush-looking medium green mound. For foliar contrast and a classic combination of blue and white, ‘Pouffe’ can accompany Francoa ramosa.

Blooms July–September

Size: 12" – 15" high x 15" – 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

"Prichards Variety" is really quite a beauty, a classic border plant distinguished by a stylish profile. Abundant large, dome-shaped clusters of vibrant violet-blue flowers, brightened by a white center, crown the stout branching stalks and rich green leaves. Astrantia "Roma" is a lively companion for this Campanulas flowers and Achillea "Fireland" adds warm red tones.

Blooms mid-July–September

Size: 3' 0" – 4' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

A diminutive leafy mound of soft-looking fresh greenery with toothed margins cushions enchanting outward facing pure white, clustered bell flowers that bees and hummingbirds adore. Selected by revered plantsman Alan Bloom, ‘White Pouffe’s well-groomed compact character can be easily nestled into the frontlines of a border or atop a wall next to Phlox ‘Mini Pearl’ for foliar contrast and pearl-hued blooms.

Blooms June–August

Size: 12" – 15" high x 15" – 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

This elegant Campanula forms a tidy mound of deep green evergreen rosettes that hugs the ground. Stiff, flowering stems, in no need of staking, rise midsummer, displaying a multitude of ridged, creamy chartreuse buds. The abundant, snow-white, star-shaped flowers, each accented by three curled white anthers, are perfect for the white garden, especially against Phlox ‘David’.

Blooms July–August.

Size: 2-1/2' high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Hailing from Croatia’s Dalmatian Mountains, this natty AGMwinner sets loose a lovely flood of 5-petaled bellstyle violet-blue flowers perched on wiry short branching stems. Small rounded dark green leaves form a closeknit, nearly evergreen mat beneath the long blooming summer display. With charm to spare, Campanula portenschlagiana’s low growing habit tackles heat if there’s adequate moisture, tumbles down slopes or containers and softens any rock’s hard edges.

Blooms June – September

Size: 7" – 12" high x 12" – 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

A cascading river of star-shaped blue-violet blooms emanates from this vigorous, low-to the-ground gem. Pointy ribbed buds give way to soothing, cool-colored flowers, each highlighted by a subtle white eye, amid good-looking toothed foliage that is darker and more tidy than the species. Tailor-made for spilling over walls or steps, ‘Blue Waterfall’s virtually trouble-free constitution can even handle some drought once established. (pp#13161)

Blooms June–October

Size: 8" – 10" high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

This pre-glasnost Yugoslav émigré is a deservedly popular ground cover. Starry sprays of frosty white bells cover a low mat that can venture over walls or colonize a rock garden.

Blooms May–July.

Size: 8" high x 18" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

This favorite of ours conjures images of a brilliant sky. The star-shaped blue-violet flowers open to reveal a white center that contrasts sharply with the deep green foliage. In a crevice or trailing over a rock wall with Geum ‘Beech House Apricot’, ‘Stella’s colors will contrast stellarly.

Blooms June – September

Size: 6" – 8" high x 20" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Not one person has passed by this plant in our garden without stopping to admire its extraordinary bell-shaped cherry-red flowers, which are neatly edged in white. Brightened by pale, purple-spotted throats, they can extend over 3 in. If the timing is right, onlookers will also notice the unusual ridged buds, fastened by long, narrow green calyxes. The ample-sized, pendulous blooms and buds are especially striking against the backdrop of somewhat triangular, serrated green leaves.

Blooms July–mid-October

Size: 20" – 2' 0" high x 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Droves of luscious nearly black buds unfurling pendulous, 3 in. long midnight-purple bells above a compact mounded foundation make ‘Purple Sensation’ a coveted perennial. Introduced by Dutch nurseryman Mark van Kesteren, this sensational easy-care Campanula offers additional enticements: a noninvasive habit, well-branched stalks garbed with attractive heat-tolerant foliage plus fanciful green calyces. (PP#16,027)

Blooms June–August

Size: 2' 0" – 2-1/4' high x 2-1/2' wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

It’s hard to imagine how on earth ‘Kent Bells’ could be improved upon but that’s exactly what happened when this first-rate Campanula punctata and trachelium hybrid was introduced. Not as tall, more compact and slow to spread are all good reasons why ‘Sarastro’ should be invited into your garden, but then add glistening 2 in. dark violet-blue bells and it becomes simply indispensable.

Named for the Austrian nursery where it originated, this exceptional Bellflower boasts sturdy, 20 in. spikes laden with floral pendants that don’t need staking, and look downright gorgeous alongside yellow flowering Centaurea ruthenica.

Blooms June–August

Size: 18" – 20" high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.

Gracing American gardens since the 1800s, this rarely offered, endangered Campanula fashions an attractive gray-green rosette of crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves, each with a rounded base, a somewhat fuzzy surface and long petioles. The dainty floriferous display of flared soft blue bells borne on one-sided, upright racemes belies its rugged character. A sun tolerant, clumping perennial, C. sarmatica’s quiet charm can be admired along a border’s edge or atop a garden wall accompanying Diascia ‘Coral Canyon’.

Blooms July–August

Size: 16" – 20" high x 12" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

If fairies lived in flowers, they would certainly call this Korean Campanula home. White with hints of lilac on the outside and spotted maroon on the inside, the 2 in. lanternlike flowers lighten even the darkest of days. With reddish stems and large deep green basal foliage, this perennial spreads easily and can be grown in full sun on the coast.

Blooms July–September.

Size: 18" high x 2' 0" & spreading wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Profusions of showy violet-blue flowers, their delicate layers of petals opening widely, embellish strong leafy stems above a neat mound of jagged-edged basal foliage. An excellent choice for the rock garden, tuck ‘Bernice’ in a crevice with gray-leafed Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’ nearby.

Blooms June–July.

Size: 18" high x 15" wide.

Hardy to zone 4.