Harebell

Does perusing a puffy, white cloud floating aimlessly in a vast early morning cerulean sky make you smile? If so, you’ll be beaming all summer long after planting Harebell, a cold-hardy perennial that produces delicate, bell-shaped blooms in pale blue, pink, and white from June until August. Accompanied by slender stems and refined verdant leaves, Harebell provides loads of color and texture. Reaching a maximum height of 12 to 18 inches and a spread of 6 to 12 inches, pollinators including bees and hummingbirds adore this wildflower. Also known as Campanula rotundifolia, Bellflower, Bluebell of Scotland, Scottish Harebell, Fairy Thimble, and Witches' Bell, this charmer also is a superb naturalizer.

Native to various locations in the Northern Hemisphere such as Scotland, Harebell forms an upright clump. A semi-evergreen, this wildflower is disease resistant and drought resistant. Also adding deer resistant to this perennial’s long list of positives, you can rest easy every night knowing that Harebell’s little bundles of blue will still be standing long after you wake up in the morning to drink your first cup of coffee. Adding its low-maintenance regimen, this is the perfect choice for any gardener with a calendar void of space. 

Harebell Care

While Harebell can tolerate nutrient-deprived soil, it thrives when planted in sandy, chalky, or loamy soil that drains well and has a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. It tolerates partial shade to full sun; however, this pollinator’s dream does best when exposed to full sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Drought tolerant, this herbaceous perennial typically requires one inch of water weekly. This wildflower is a light feeder and only requires fertilizing one time each year during the spring. Simply feed Harebell with a balanced (10-10-10), all-purpose fertilizer.

Minimal fuss, Harebell does not normally require pruning. You can deadhead spent blooms during the summer, which can extend the flowering period if you so desire. 

Harebell Spacing

Harebell adds color and grace when grown as a border by itself or with other perennials such as roses and spiderworts. Space Harebell 9 to 12 inches from the next plant when grouped in a drift. Harebell also performs well when planted in rock gardens.

Harebell Information