The Purple Bellflower – a Fighter in the Perennial Bed

A purple bellflower doesn’t exactly look like the epitome of a hardy garden plant. But appearances can be deceiving – this plant is tougher than it seems!

There are hardly any plants with more leaf shapes and colors than the purple bellflower. And it’s not just about looks – this plant has a lot more to offer.

When you see a purple bellflower in the garden, it appears to be a delicate plant with fine, small bell-shaped flowers and slender stems, with its flower spikes seemingly floating above the flower bed. The first thought is hardly that this plant must be hardy and extremely resilient. And yet, the purple bellflower is exactly what it doesn’t appear to be. Some varieties even develop more vibrant leaf colors in colder temperatures.

The purple bellflower is not only hardy and resilient, but it also originates from a region where one wouldn't expect such a delicate-looking plant. Once again, its appearance is deceiving. The purple bellflower originally comes from the mountainous regions of North America and Mexico, where it is often found near the banks of flowing waters. But it gets even more extreme—some varieties grow along the rocky coasts of California’s Channel Islands and even in the arid canyons of Arizona.

The purple bellflower thrives in partially shaded locations and is perfect for bringing color to shady spots in the garden. As a ground cover, it looks great in the dappled shade of trees and shrubs. From April to September, its delicate flowers create a vibrant carpet of color. The flower spikes, which grow between 40 and 80 centimeters tall, produce tiny bell-shaped blooms in white, pink, or purple, appearing to float above the garden bed. And who would have guessed? It’s these very blossoms that gave the plant its name—purple bellflower.