Species of Bluebell Flowers

Eustoma

• Several native species in the Eustoma genus are called bluebells. The small bluebell (E. exaltatum) -- or seaside gentian -- grows to 2 feet tall and blooms with 3-inch-long purple-blue blossoms. Small bluebells have long, oval foliage. The Texas bluebell (E. exaltatum ssp. russellianum) -- or showy prairie gentian -- is the small bluebell’s inland cousin. This flower grows as an annual, perennial or biennial, depending on regional climate. It grows to 18 inches tall and has waxy blue, purple, pink, white and yellow bell-shaped blossoms atop long, blue-green stalks. The bluebell gentian (E. exaltatum ssp. exaltatum) only grows to 12 inches tall and blooms with blue-purple flowers through July and August.

Mertensia

• The Mertensia genus contains many native bluebell species. These include Virginia bluebells (M. virginica), which grow to 2 feet tall and bloom with pendulous clusters of blue-purple bell-shaped blossoms. This perennial has oval gray-green foliage and produces pink buds. Alpine bluebells (M. alpina) grow across mountainous regions of the Western states. These bloom with tiny deep-blue flowers in late spring. Mountain or tall fringe bluebells (M. ciliata) produce drooping clusters of narrow blue blooms that age to pink. These fragrant plants are also known as lungworts. Prairie or narrowleaf bluebells (M. lanceolata) can be identified by their hairy, aromatic foliage.

Campanula

• Species in the Campanula genus include the bluebell bellflower (C. rotundifolia), a perennial that grows from 4 to 15 inches tall. This delicate plant has slender stems topped with clusters of drooping, blue-purple blooms. These flowers are also called Bluebell-of-Scotland or harebell. The Texas bluebell (C. reverchonii) grows as an annual. This 12-inch-tall plant blooms in late spring through summer with small five-petaled flowers.

Other

• Other species of bluebells include Phacelia campanularia, also called blue bells or desertbells. These North American natives grow from 8 to 16 inches tall and bloom with bright blue 1-inch-wide flowers in spring. Blue bells have hairy stems and foliage and thrive in dry, sandy sites with strong sun. The Mexican bluebell barleria (Ruellia brittoniana) thrives in warm climates. This spreading perennial grows to 30 inches tall and blooms with blue, purple, red or pink flowers that attract pollinators. Spanish bluebells (Scilla campanulata) bloom in spring with blue, pink and white flowers. These bulb perennials reach heights to 12 inches and grow best in sunny sites with a layer of mulch.