Stunning Surprise Blooms in the Garden

A couple of years ago, my husband and I decided to convert one of our raised garden beds into a pollinator patch. When we began searching for plants to consider for this space, I was so excited to see that there was a sale at the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden (https://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/plant-sales). The plants offered for sale in the garden are grown at the nursery and are well adapted to the local climate, so I was confident that all of my choices would settle well in my garden project.

Many of the plants that we chose were not flowering, but there were photos of what to expect when in full bloom. I always enjoy doing some online research when in midst of a project and I had a bundle of new plants to investigate before planting. I was able to find detailed specifications of each plant, such as the expected height, width, bloom color and texture. This information helped me plan on where to plant in the garden for a color balance.

We watched the pollinator garden grow and develop very healthy foliage. However, we did not have many blooms until just this summer, and what a stunning surprise of color! Our flowers were much more vibrant than what we imagined from photos.

There is one plant that stands out, and it seems to have bloomed overnight, popping with many bell-shaped lavender flowers. This beautiful plant is called Bellflower, Campanula. (Campanula is Latin for “little bell”). The variety we have is calledCampanula 'Cariboo'- BlueBellflower.

Bellflower in the Garden - Paula Pashby

Bellflowers in the Garden - Al Alvarado

This bellflower is a perennial and remains short between 14 and 18 inches, but will spread over the garden. I think it makes a perfect plant for containers, rock gardens, edging, mass plantings, and ground cover. This plant is beneficial for pollinators, will bloom from late spring to late summer, and thrives in full sun or half shade. The plant can handle a clay soil type, and water needs are minimal.

While doing research, I found that there are a number of other bellflower varieties available, such as Wilkins Harebell Campanula wilkinsiana,or theDesertbells Phacelia campanularia. So, there are wonderful choices and colors to consider for your own garden. We love how our seasonal garden turned out and are happy to watch the pollinators doing their thing!

Bellflowers in the Garden - front left - Al Alvarado