Introducing...
Specialist campanulas
This group of campanulas includes compact or spreading plants that, in the wild, grow among rocks. It included a few that cannot survive frost and are often grown in containers under cover in a cold frame or cold greenhouse.
Looks
These plants are mainly low-growing and compact, forming tufts or clumps, sometimes with flexible, trailing stems. The bell-like flowers appear in spring and summer, often covering the plant. They come in shades of pale blue, mauve, pink and white.
Likes
Specialist campanulas need free-draining soil in sun. Many do well in shallow pots filled with gritty compost and are kept in a well ventilated, unheated greenhouse over winter.
Dislikes
They cannot cope with wet soil, especially in winter, as this can cause the roots to rot. A shady position leads to uneven growth and flowering can be poor.
Did you know?
Campanula isophylla is unsuitable for growing outdoors, but can be kept in a conservatory or greenhouse and brought into the house when in flower.
Growing guide
How to grow specialist campanulas
All the information you’ll need to grow & care for specialist campanulas in your garden.
Specialist campanula we recommend
Campanula vidalii
Azores bellflower
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Campanula cochlearifolia 'Elizabeth Oliver' (d)
fairies' thimbles 'Elizabeth Oliver'
- Up to 10cm
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Campanula tommasiniana
Tommasini bell flower
- Up to 10cm
- 0–0.1 metre
Campanula vidalii
Azores bellflower
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Campanula cochlearifolia 'Elizabeth Oliver' (d)
fairies' thimbles 'Elizabeth Oliver'
- Up to 10cm
- 0.1–0.5 metres
Campanula tommasiniana
Tommasini bell flower
- Up to 10cm
- 0–0.1 metre
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Useful advice
Rock gardens: plants
Scree gardening
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