Ding-dong, is anyone there? We’ve got a list of amazing bell-shaped flowers perfect for your garden, whether you’re a novice or an expert in the art of horticulture.
From tinkling buds to chiming charmers, these flowers are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Bell-shaped flowers in various colors |
| Plant Type | Biennial or short-lived perennial |
| Possible Problems | Powdery mildew, aphids, slugs, and snails |
Canterbury Bells need to be planted in well-draining soil as they favor rich, moist conditions, and provide partial shade to full sun exposure. Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging, and deadhead regularly for continuous blooming.
Watch for issues like powdery mildew, aphids, slugs, and snails while ensuring good air circulation and proper watering to prevent problems. Canterbury Bells thrive in cottage gardens, borders, or mixed perennial beds.
Bluebell Flowers (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Pendulous, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue |
| Plant Type | Perennial bulb |
| Possible Problems | Competition with invasive species, overcollection |
Bluebells thrive in well-draining soil within partially shaded to fully shaded areas. They find their ideal home beneath deciduous trees or in woodland gardens.
We recommend that you source Bluebell bulbs from reputable suppliers to prevent overcollection from the wild. Their easy cultivation makes them an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Easy to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Fragrant, bell-shaped, white flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial rhizomatous herb |
| Possible Problems | Spreading invasively, susceptibility to pests |
Admired for its charming bell-shaped white flowers, this perennial rhizomatous herb spreads underground to create a lush ground cover in shaded gardens. Keep the Lily of the Valley in well-drained, humus-rich soil.
It prefers partially to fully shaded locations, making it ideal for woodland gardens or areas with dappled sunlight. Make sure there’s organic mulch to keep the soil moist – just check them to prevent unwanted pests and from taking over the space.
Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Towering spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Biennial or short-lived perennial |
| Possible Problems | Toxicity if ingested, susceptibility to rust disease |
Foxgloves are biennials or short-lived perennials as they follow a two-year life cycle, forming rosettes of leaves in the first year and tall flower spikes in the second. These bell-shaped flowers are commonly in purple and pink shades.
To thrive, Foxgloves prefer well-drained soil and partial to full sun exposure, as well as adequate spacing for air circulation. Keep children and pets from ingesting the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds as they can be toxic.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Delicate, nodding, bell-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial bulb |
| Possible Problems | None significant |
As perennial bulbs, Snowdrops reliably return each year, gracing their white blooms in woodland gardens, borders, and rock gardens. They adapt well although they prefer well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
They’re known for their ability to bloom in late winter, adding beauty to snowy landscapes. Snowdrops are low-maintenance and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Large, trumpet-shaped, pendulous flowers |
| Plant Type | Woody shrub or small tree |
| Possible Problems | Toxicity if ingested, susceptibility to pests |
These woody shrubs or small trees grow well in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They benefit from consistent moisture through regular watering and sunlight, preferably in partial shade.
A distinctive feature of Angel’s Trumpet is its impressive, fragrant blooms, which come in various hues such as white, pink, yellow, or peach, depending on the cultivar. However, all parts are harmful and toxic if ingested, posing a risk to humans and pets.
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Easy ●○○○○ |
| Unique Features | Tall spikes adorned with bell-shaped calyxes |
| Plant Type | Annual |
| Possible Problems | Minimal susceptibility to pests and diseases |
Bells of Ireland complete their life cycle within a single season, making them suitable for borders and cutting gardens. Thriving in well-drained soil and full sun, they require minimal maintenance and exhibit resilience to pests and diseases.
What catches the eye is their ornamental calyxes, rather than the flowers, along tall spikes. These green, bell-shaped structures provide the perfect uniqueness to many floral arrangements.
White Mountain Heather (Cassiope mertensiana)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
| Unique Features | Low-growing evergreen shrub with urn-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to specific soil and moisture needs |
This low-growing evergreen shrub, native to alpine and subalpine regions, prefers acidic, well-drained soil and cooler temperatures, making it suitable for rock gardens or alpine garden settings. The plant’s unique feature is its petite, urn-shaped flowers.
Cultivation can be challenging for those without access to alpine or acidic soil conditions. If you’re lucky enough to fulfill its growing requirements, the White Mountain Heather will reward you with its distinctive appearance.
Swamp Doghobble (Leucothoe spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Evergreen shrub with arching branches |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soil |
Swamp Doghobble thrives in moist and well-draining acidic soil, especially those found in swampy or wetland environments. This easy-to-grow evergreen shrub, known for its arching branches, is a fantastic addition to gardens needing a bit of drama.
However, it’s pretty vulnerable to root rot in poorly drained soil. You can avoid this by planting it in well-drained soil and ensuring adequate moisture without waterlogging.
Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
| Unique Features | Succulent shrub with striking, colorful flowers |
| Plant Type | Succulent shrub or small tree |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to overwatering, cold sensitivity |
Desert Rose is a much sought-after succulent due to its vibrant flowers. It grows best in well-drained soil and warm, arid environments – just protect it from frost as it can cause the plant to stress out.
The plant’s distinctive swollen base stores water, enabling it to endure periods of drought. Look out for its eye-catching flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, or white, depending on the cultivar.
Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Low to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Pendant, tubular flowers in vibrant colors |
| Plant Type | Shrub or hanging basket plant |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to pests like aphids and spider mites |
Whether as shrubs or hanging basket plants, Fuchsias grow best in well-drained soil and partial shade, making them suitable for borders, containers, or hanging baskets. They prefer locations with filtered sunlight, protecting them from intense midday sun.
The distinctive tubular blooms attract hummingbirds. With proper care, Fuchsias can provide continuous blooms for the happy homeowner throughout the growing season.
Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
| Factor | Information |
| Ease of Growing | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Trailing stems with pairs of fragrant, bell-like flowers |
| Plant Type | Low-growing perennial ground cover |
| Possible Problems | None significant |
Twinflower is loved for its trailing stems adorned with pairs of fragrant, bell-like flowers. It grows best when planted in well-drained soil and shaded garden settings, with the plant forming a delicate carpet of foliage with pink or pale purple blooms.
This low-maintenance plant is grown for its dainty appearance, fragrance, and ability to thrive in shaded environments. It’s a big plus if you’re looking for a bit of fairy tale romance and whimsy for your garden.
Campanula (Bellflower)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Low to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Bell-shaped flowers in various sizes and colors |
| Plant Type | Perennial or biennial herbaceous plant |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to rust disease, slug damage |
Campanula plants are versatile perennial or biennial herbaceous specimens that are suitable for borders, rock gardens, or containers. Keep them in well-drained soil and varying sunlight conditions.
When properly cared for, you’ll be rewarded with flowers coming in various sizes and colors, including blue, purple, pink, or white. Some species may also be prone to slug damage, so take protective measures like slug traps or copper barriers.
Himalayan Blue Poppy (Meconopsis betonicifolia)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
| Unique Features | Striking blue poppy-like flowers |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Possible Problems | Specific soil and moisture requirements, short lifespan |
The Himalayan Blue Poppy can be quite challenging to grow as it demands well-drained, acidic soil, and a cool, moist environment with shade from intense sunlight. It thrives in regions with cool summers and mild winters.
But once cared for properly, it produces its famous blue flowers that initially look like downturned bells before greeting the sky with its full blooming state. We suggest this for homeowners who have a particular dedication to growing challenging blooms.
Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Low to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Colorful foliage, delicate bell-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soil |
Coral Bells are herbaceous perennials loved for their vibrant foliage, which comes in various colors like green, purple, and red. They grow best in well-draining soil and can be placed in borders, rock gardens, or containers for splashes of color.
While the leaves often take center stage, the flowers eventually show up in late spring to early summer. Just make sure they’re grown in a spot with good airflow and in soils that promote good drainage.
Chinese Bellflower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Low to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Balloon-like buds that open into bell-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial herbaceous plant |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soil, slug damage |
Thriving in well-drained soil, Chinese Bellflower is grown for its unique flower buds that look like balloons. These buds eventually bloom into star-shaped flowers in varying hues of blue, white, or pink, depending on the cultivar.
Just know that it’s pretty sensitive to constantly wet soil, which could develop into root rot. There are some species that are more attractive to slugs, so you can decide to avoid these or protect them with slug traps or copper barriers.
Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Low to Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers on tall stems |
| Plant Type | Bulbous perennial herbaceous plant |
| Possible Problems | None significant |
Coming from the words bella and donna, meaning beautiful lady, this plant thrives when grown in well-drained soil. It’s perfect for growing in various garden settings, such as borders, rock gardens, or containers.
Look out for its dramatic floral display that features fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers in pink or white clusters on tall stems. If you’re looking to introduce late-summer to early-fall color to your garden, this just might be it.
Bluebell Vine (Rhodochiton atrosanguineus)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Moderate ●●○○○ |
| Unique Features | Twining vine with heart-shaped purple flowers |
| Plant Type | Perennial vine |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to aphids and spider mites |
The Bluebell vine requires support for its twining stems and can flourish on trellises, arbors, or in containers. It has a particular fondness for well-draining soil and a sunny to partially shaded location.
Many homeowners love its pendulous, heart-shaped purple flowers for vertical gardening. You can even shape it into various designs to make your garden even more whimsical.
Bluebell Gentian (Gentiana spp.)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
| Unique Features | Intense blue, bell-shaped flowers |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Possible Problems | Specific soil and moisture requirements, slow growth |
Successfully growing Bluebell Gentian means providing it with well-draining, acidic to neutral soil. Keep it in a cool, moist setting with protection from excessive heat as it’s better suited for cooler climates.
Just remember that the potential challenges include its particular soil and moisture needs, coupled with a relatively slow growth rate. Those willing to fulfill its specific requirements can enjoy the beauty that this perennial adds to their outdoor spaces.
Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica)
| Factor | Information |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult ●●●●○ |
| Unique Features | Glossy evergreen leaves, showy, rose-like flowers |
| Plant Type | Evergreen shrub or small tree |
| Possible Problems | Susceptibility to certain pests and diseases |
The Japanese Camellia loves to grow in well-drained, acidic soil and prefers partial to full shade. Give it a place in various garden settings such as borders, woodland gardens, or as an ornamental specimen plant.
This plant is loved for its glossy evergreen leaves and large captivating flowers available in various colors, including white, pink, red, and variegated forms. It can be a bit challenging to grow as it requires maintenance, but you’ll be rewarded by its blooms.
