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Common Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)

Harebell, or Campanula rotundifolia, is a delicate perennial herb known for its bell-shaped, violet-blue flowers. It thrives in full sun to partial shade, reaching 15-60

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Moderate, keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy, neutral to slightly alkaline.

Temperature

Cool to moderate.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low to moderate, balanced fertilizer in spring.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade.

Water

Moderate, keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Well-drained, sandy or loamy, neutral to slightly alkaline.

Temperature

Cool to moderate.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Low to moderate, balanced fertilizer in spring.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Pot, Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

15-60 cm

Spread

15-30 cm

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Dimorphic

Flower Size

1-2.5 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

40000

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths86
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths86
Synonyms
Campanula allophylla Raf. ex A.DC.
Campanula angustifolia Lam.
Campanula antirrhina Schleich.
Campanula asturica Podlech
Campanula bielzii Schur
Campanula bocconei Vill.
Campanula caballeroi Sennen & Losa
Campanula chinganensis A.I.Baranov
Campanula confertifolia (Reut.) Witasek
Campanula decloetiana Ortmann
Campanula heterodoxa Vest ex Schult.
Campanula hostii Baumg.
Campanula inconcessa Schott, Nyman & Kotschy
Campanula juncea Hill
Campanula lanceolata Lapeyr.
Campanula langsdorffiana (A.DC.) Fisch. ex Trautv. & C.A.Mey.
Campanula legionensis Pau
Campanula lobata Schloss. & Vuk.
Campanula lostrittii Ten.
Campanula minor Lam.
Campanula minuta Savi
Campanula paenina Reut. ex Tissière
Campanula pennina Reut.
Campanula pinifolia Uechtr. ex Pancic
Campanula poenina Reut. ex Tissière
Campanula pseudovaldensis Schur
Campanula solstitialis A.Kern.
Campanula tenuifolia Hoffm.
Campanula tracheliifolia Losa ex Sennen
Campanula urbionensis Rivas Mart. & G.Navarro
Campanula wiedmannii Podlech
Depierrea campanuloides Schltdl.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderAsterales
  • familyCampanulaceae
  • genusCampanula
  • speciesCampanula rotundifolia
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Harebell prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil, especially during dry periods and active growth. Once established, it shows good drought tolerance. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Watering deeply less frequently is better than shallow, frequent watering to encourage strong root development.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding, which can make the plant spread aggressively. In late autumn, cut back the faded foliage to the ground to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter dormancy. This also helps to maintain plant vigor and appearance for the following season.

Harebell can be propagated by seed, division, or basal cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in autumn or spring, requiring light for germination. Division of established clumps in spring or autumn is effective, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Basal cuttings can be taken in spring from new growth, rooting easily in moist soil.

Repotting is generally not necessary for Harebell grown in the ground. For container-grown plants, repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. This refreshes the soil, provides more space for root growth, and helps prevent the plant from becoming root-bound, ensuring continued health and vigor.

FAQs

When does Campanula rotundifolia typically bloom?

Campanula rotundifolia, commonly known as Harebell, typically blooms from summer into early autumn, usually from July through September in the Northern Hemisphere.

What are the ideal soil conditions for growing Harebell?

Harebell thrives in well-drained soil that is sandy or loamy. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.

Is Campanula rotundifolia considered an easy plant to grow?

Yes, Harebell is generally considered an easy-to-grow perennial. It is adaptable to various conditions, hardy in many climates, and relatively low-maintenance once established.

How can I propagate Harebell plants?

Harebell can be propagated by seeds, which can be sown in autumn or spring. It also readily spreads by rhizomes and can be divided in spring or autumn. Basal cuttings can be taken from new growth in spring.

Is Campanula rotundifolia (Harebell) safe for pets and humans?

Yes, Campanula rotundifolia is considered non-toxic to both humans and pets, including dogs, cats, and horses, according to authoritative sources like the ASPCA.