Campanula rotundifolia L.
Bluebell
Harebell is a delicate native perennial of the bellflower family, instantly recognisable for the nodding, violet-blue bells that dangle from slender, wiry stems. The species name rotundifolia refers to the rounded leaves that form at the base of the plant in spring; these usually wither by flowering time, leaving only narrow, grass-like leaves along the stems.
About
Harebell is a delicate native perennial of the bellflower family, instantly recognisable for the nodding, violet-blue bells that dangle from slender, wiry stems. The species name rotundifolia refers to the rounded leaves that form at the base of the plant in spring; these usually wither by flowering time, leaving only narrow, grass-like leaves along the stems. Despite its fragile appearance it is a tough, drought-tolerant plant, and in Scotland it is the flower widely known simply as the bluebell.
It thrives on dry, well-drained and often nutrient-poor ground, colonising open grassland, heaths, banks, dunes and rocky places in full sun. The bells appear through summer and into autumn, providing a late source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects when many meadow flowers have finished. Its tolerance of thin, sandy or chalky soils makes it a valuable choice for short-turf meadows, green roofs and naturalistic planting on poorer ground.
Also known as
Bluebell Bellflower · Bluebell-of-scotland · Harebell · Harebell / Bluebell · Meadowbell · Roundleaf Harebell · Scottish bluebell · bluebell of Scotland · fairy-thimble
Synonyms
Campanula allophylla · Campanula angustifolia · Campanula antirrhina · Campanula arcuata subrhomboidalis · Campanula asturica · Campanula balcanica racemosa · Campanula bielzii · Campanula bocconei · Campanula caballeroi · Campanula caespitosa bocconei · Campanula carnica racemosa
In our seed mixes
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.