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Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower)

American Bellflower, Tall Bellflower, Campanula americana, Campanula americana var. illinoensis

Campanulastrum americanum, American Bellflower, Tall Bellflower, Lavender Flowers, Blue Flowers

Native to North America, Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower) is an upright annual or biennial with tall flower stems clad with rough, toothed, lance-shaped green leaves. In summer, the upper portion of the stem is studded with showy, flat, star-shaped, lavender-blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Attractive to hummingbirds, each delicate blossom features a petal tube that elongates with age and a white ring at the throat. The flowers are borne singly or in clusters in the axils of the upper leaves. Charming and eye-catching, they will persist longer if deadheaded. Depending on when germination occurs, this plant is either an annual of a biennial. It produces foliage in the first year and flowers in the second year. American Bellflower is a lovely addition to a woodland garden where it will self-seed readily, without becoming a nuisance, and keep a charming presence.

  • Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 12-24 in wide (30-60 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in rich, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Prefers part shade in warmer climates.
  • Great for rock gardens, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. Plant in groups for the best visual impact.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
  • Plant seed indoors about 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost or plant seed outdoors in late spring for bloom the following year.
  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Propagate by seed.
  • Native to North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Campanulaceae
Genus Campanula
Common names Bellflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
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Campanula (Bellflower)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Campanula persicifolia ‘Takion Blue’ (Peach-Leaved Bellflower)
Campanula cochlearifolia (Fairy’s Thimble)
Campanula garganica ‘Dickson’s Gold’ (Adriatic Bellflower)
Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’ (Spotted Bellflower)
Campanula ‘Viking’ (Bellflower)
Campanula ‘Summertime Blues’ (Bellflower)

Recommended Companion Plants

Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower)
Caltha palustris (Marsh Marigold)
Geranium maculatum (Spotted Cranesbill)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Campanula – Which one for my Garden?
Great Campanulas for Rock Gardens
Great Campanulas for Your Garden Borders
Great Flowering Groundcover Plants: Campanula
Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leaved Bellflower)
Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Bellflower)
Campanula glomerata (Clustered Bellflower)
Campanula lactiflora (Milky Bellflower)
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Campanulaceae
Genus Campanula
Common names Bellflower
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height 3' - 6'
(90cm - 180cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Campanula (Bellflower)
Not sure which Campanula (Bellflower) to pick?
Compare Now

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