Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Front, middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Common harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a clump-forming perennial wildflower, bearing pretty bell-shaped blooms on tall, erect stems from summer to autumn. Although a natural meadow plant, it’s ideal for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and works well in cottage-garden and wildlife-friendly planting schemes. The name harebell is thought to refer to its prevalence in meadows frequented by hares. Indeed, legend has it that witches would turn themselves into hares and hide among the flowers. Common harebell is the county flower of Dumfriesshire, Yorkshire and County Antrim.

Also known as Scottish bluebell and bluebell of Scotland, Campanula rotundifolia is unrelated to the English bluebell, which is similar looking but is smaller, has more dainty, hanging bell-shaped flowers and blooms earlier in the year. All parts of the common harebell are edible – the flowers can be added to salads and the leaves can be eaten raw or steamed as 'greens'.

Grow Campanula rotundifolia in moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Propagate by division in spring or autumn.

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Advice on buying common harebell

  • Common harebell is available from seed, as plugs or larger plants
  • Always buy from a reputable company to ensure the plants grow strongly
  • Check plants for signs of damage and disease before planting

Where to buy common harebell

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyes
Plantyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyesyesyesyes

Campanula and wildlife

Campanula is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Campanula poisonous?

Campanula has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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