Campanula Rotundifolia Plants

Identification

• The flower of the Campanula rotundifolia -- part of the Campanulaceae family of plants -- sports five fused and pointed petals, which grow in a cupped fashion and flare outward at the rim. These bell-shaped blossoms are about 3/4 inch long and bright blue or blue-violet. Its dark green, unbranched stems sprout delicate, rounded leaves that grow sparingly.

Growth Habits

• The bluebell grows straight up in an erect fashion at heights from 4 to 20 inches. It is usually found in clusters. Due to its narrow stem, the flower of the Campanula sometimes droops. As the Campanula rotundifolia matures, its leaves wither. The blossoms of this flower appear from the months of June through October. The bluebell bellflower produces seeds from late July through mid-September.

Habitat

• In the United States, the Campanula grows in 35 states, thriving in habitats as diverse as Alaska, Missouri, Wisconsin and Texas. However, the plant is endangered in Ohio. Native to North America, this herb thrives in moist soil, dry meadows, woods, beaches and rocky cliffs. The bluebell tolerates shady, sunny and partly shady conditions, though it prefers dry soils that are sandy and well drained. This small flower thrives at high elevations.

Considerations

• Derivative species feature slightly different characteristics, such as the southern harebell (Campanula divaricata) with its wider leaves and white flowers, and the bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), which has heart-shaped leaves. No insects or diseases prominently affect the Campanula plant. Culturally, the harebell has been associated with witches and bad luck; in Scotland, the flower is called the witches thimble.