Bellflowers are true globetrotters! You can find them all across the Northern Hemisphere, and while they’re a bit harder to spot south of the equator, they grow pretty much everywhere on Earth. Because they’ve adapted to so many different environments, there are over 300 different species to choose from.
Native Species
With bee and pollinator populations on the decline, many gardeners are moving away from exotic imports and returning to local roots. Native species are making a huge comeback, and bellflowers (botanically known as *Campanula*) are leading the charge. One of the best perks of choosing native varieties is that they are incredibly hardy. Since they’re already used to our local climate, they require way less work when fall rolls around. Some great local favorites include:
- Spreading Bellflower (C. patula)
- Peach-leaved Bellflower (C. persicifolia)
- Giant Bellflower (C. latifolia)
Mediterranean Varieties
Technically, bellflowers are perennials, meaning they should come back year after year. However, some beauties like the Chimney Bellflower (C. pyramidalis) or the Serbian Bellflower (C. poscharskyana) originally hail from Southern Europe. Because they love the warmth, they often behave more like annuals or biennials in cooler climates. If you’re looking for something versatile, the Star of Bethlehem (C. isophylla) is a Mediterranean gem that works beautifully in the garden or even as a houseplant.
Exotic Varieties
Even if you’re focusing on natives, there’s always room for a little exotic flair in the garden! The Spotted Bellflower (C. punctata), for instance, brings a touch of East Asia with its roots in China, Japan, and Korea. Then there are the true world travelers like the Clustered Bellflower (C. glomerata), which feels right at home everywhere from Europe to Iran and all the way to Mongolia. By mixing and matching different species, you can basically take a trip around the world without ever leaving your backyard.
