Also known as Bellflower · 1.2k saves
Campanula
Campanula, the genus most gardeners know as bellflower. We track 36 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Campanula varieties
See all 36 Campanula varieties →Search this genus →
13 species of Campanula
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Campanula in Sow
Save the Campanula you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Campanula
Whats common across all Campanula varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them.
The Campanula year
- DivideMarch and September86% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall to maintain vigor.
- DeadheadMay–July81% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
- Spring CleanupFebruary47% of varieties
Remove old, dead foliage before new growth begins in late winter.
- PruneJuly and August42% of varieties
Cut back spent flower stalks after the main bloom period to tidy the plant.
- FertilizeMarch36% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer as new growth emerges.
- Check for PestsApril–June31% of varieties
Watch for slugs and snails, especially on new spring growth
Do
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Water consistently, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely between watering
What goes wrong with Campanula
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in leaves, slime trails | Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth around plants |
| Slugs and snails | The overwintering leaf rosette grazed away, so no flowering stem develops | Protect the rosettes through winter and early spring, which is when the damage is decisive |
| Slugs and Snails | Irregular holes chewed in leaves and flowers, often with slime trails nearby. | Use organic baits containing iron phosphate. Set beer traps. Hand-pick at night. Create barriers with crushed eggshells or diatomaceous earth. |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur-based fungicide |
Making more Campanula
Seed
- Sow seeds on moist soil surface in early spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks until germination.
- Transplant seedlings once they are large enough to handle.
Division
- Divide mature clumps in early spring or fall.
- Replant divisions immediately into prepared soil, water thoroughly.
Campanula questions
How many types of Campanula are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 36 distinct Campanula varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.2k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Campanula grow in?
Across its varieties, Campanula covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Campanula bloom?
Most Campanula varieties bloom in mid-summer, early to mid summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Campanula should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.