Campanula punctata Wedding Bells

Campanula punctata 'Wedding Bells' is a refined and bushy variety of bellflower. Throughout the summer, it bears semi-double and pendulous bell-shaped flowers. The corolla is cream-white with a hint of pink. The contrast with the rather dark foliage, makes the flowers appear even brighter. It is also interesting for its spreading habit, making it a good ground cover in borders. It is a beautiful romantic plant that deserves to be displayed prominently, in a cottage-style flower bed for example.

The genus Campanula belongs to the family of bellflowers. 'Wedding Bells' is a horticultural selection derived from C. punctata, a species native to Korea. This variety has a clump-forming size of 40 cm (16in), spreading through short underground rhizomes from which the erect and leafy stems arise. In early summer, beautiful bell-shaped flowers begin to appear, inclined towards the ground and measuring 5 cm (2in) in length. The corolla is double as if the flowers were wearing a skirt and petticoat, adding to the refinement of their delicate white colour, slightly tinged with pink at the base. They continue to bloom until September if the faded stems are removed. The foliage is deciduous, but persists for a long time before disappearing. It is dark green, ovate, dentate, and slightly hairy leaves.

'Wedding Bells' bellflower is easy to grow and likes sunny exposures and rich, well-draining soils. When happy, it produces suckers from its base, although its medium growth rate means it is not invasive. In a wild or romantic style garden, it can be paired with grasses like melica, perennial geraniums, English roses, and ornamental alliums. It also performs well in containers. Its flowering stems are perfect for bouquets.