Campanulas, also known as bellflowers, are a diverse group of plants that offer a wide range of options for gardeners and landscapers. One of the great advantages of growing campanulas is that many of them are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. This can be a wonderful feature for those who want a long-lasting and low-maintenance garden or landscape.
The majority of campanula species are indeed perennials, with a few exceptions. This means that once they are established in your garden, you can enjoy their beauty for many years to come without having to replant them annually. This is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a more permanent garden design or for those who simply don’t have the time or inclination to replant every year.
Some campanula species, such as Campanula carpatica and Campanula glomerata, are clump-forming perennials that create dense mounds of foliage and produce beautiful bell-shaped flowers. These plants are known for their hardiness and ability to survive harsh winters, making them reliable performers year after year.
There are also taller campanula varieties, like Campanula lactiflora and Campanula persicifolia, which can reach heights of up to three feet or more. These elegant perennials make excellent backdrops in borders or additions to cottage gardens, and their return each year adds a sense of continuity and reliability to the landscape.
It’s worth noting that while most campanula species are perennials, there are a few annual and biennial varieties as well. For example, Campanula medium, commonly known as Canterbury bells, is a biennial plant that requires two growing seasons to complete its life cycle. It will produce foliage and flowers in its first year, then set seed and die in its second year. However, the seeds it produces can self-sow and give rise to new plants, creating the illusion of a perennial plant.
In my own experience, I have grown several campanula species in my garden, and they have reliably returned year after year. I particularly enjoy the Campanula portenschlagiana, commonly known as the Dalmatian bellflower, which forms a beautiful groundcover with its low, creeping habit and profusion of violet-blue flowers. It has come back faithfully each spring, creating a carpet of color that attracts bees and butterflies.
To summarize, while there are some exceptions, the majority of campanula species are perennials that will come back year after year. Their ability to withstand harsh winters and their attractive flowers make them a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers looking for long-lasting beauty and ease of maintenance. Whether you choose the clump-forming varieties or the taller ones, campanulas are a reliable addition to any garden or landscape.
