Campanulastrum americanum (American Bellflower)
American Bellflower, Tall Bellflower, Campanula americana, Campanula americana var. illinoensis
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 in the garden.
- 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, naturalized areas. Plant in groups for 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals |
Plant Family | Campanula - Bellflowers |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By ALong, Shutterstock
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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 7 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals |
Plant Family | Campanula - Bellflowers |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma |
Attracts | Hummingbirds |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |