Product Description
Delphinium e. 'Violets Are Blue' (30)ct Flat PPAF CPBRAF
Proven Winners®
A Stunning Display of Violet-Blue Blooms
Part of the distinguished Bells Series, Campanula glomerata 'Bells and Whistles' is a captivating Clustered Bellflower renowned for its spectacular floral show. This long-blooming perennial produces masses of upright stems adorned with clusters of striking dark violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers. Forming dense mounds of lush green foliage, 'Bells and Whistles' is a fantastic choice for adding a vibrant splash of color to your late spring and early summer garden. Its upright habit and intense flower color make it perfect for lining borders or creating eye-catching displays in mass plantings. Notably, this cultivar blooms later than other C. glomerata varieties, extending the bellflower season in your garden.
Morphology: Campanula glomerata 'Bells and Whistles' features a robust, upright growth habit, reaching heights of 24 to 28 inches. It forms a dense clump of ovate to lance-shaped, toothed, medium-green basal leaves. The flower stems rise above this foliage, displaying spherical terminal clusters of upward-facing, bell-shaped flowers, approximately 2 to 3 cm in size. Smaller flower clusters also appear in the upper leaf axils, creating a profusion of blooms. The flowers are a deep, dark violet-blue, providing a rich and intense color to the garden. After flowering, cutting back the plant can encourage a more compact form and potentially a second flush of blooms.
- Botanical Name: Campanula glomerata 'Bells and Whistles' PPAF CPBRAF
- Common Name: Clustered Bellflower, Bellflower
- Series: Bells Series
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Height: 24.0 - 28.0 inches
- Spread: 22.0 - 26.0 inches
- Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8
- Flower Color: Dark Violet-Blue
- Foliage Color: Green
- Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hours direct sun), Part Shade (4-6 hours direct sun)
- Water Requirements: Average
- Soil Quality: Fertile, Average
- Soil Chemistry: Neutral to Alkaline (pH 7.0 and above)
- Bloomtime: Late Spring, Early Summer
- Attracts: Hummingbirds, Bees
- Resistant To: Deer
- Growth Rate: Medium
- Garden Style: Patio, Container, Cottage, Eclectic
- Other Features: Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Mass Planting
- Origin: Not Native to North America
Native Habitat: Campanula glomerata is native to the North Temperate Zone of Eurasia, ranging from Britain to Japan. It can be found across Europe, with the exception of the extreme north. In North America, it has become naturalized in some areas. This species typically grows in forests, dry grasslands, scrub, open woodlands, and along the edges of woods and trails. It prefers calcareous soils and thrives at altitudes up to 4,900 feet above sea level.
Landscaping Design Tips:
- Striking Borders: The upright nature and vibrant dark violet-blue flowers of 'Bells and Whistles' make it an excellent choice for creating impactful borders along pathways, driveways, and garden beds.
- Head-Turning Mass Plantings: For a truly dramatic effect, plant 'Bells and Whistles' in large groups or masses. The numerous flower spikes will create a sea of intense blue, perfect for filling larger areas and drawing the eye. Space plants approximately 22-26 inches apart to allow for their mature spread.
- Cottage Gardens: Its classic bellflower shape and abundant blooms fit perfectly into cottage garden designs, adding a touch of traditional charm and vibrant color.
- Patio and Container Displays: While it can grow quite tall, 'Bells and Whistles' can also be successfully grown in larger containers and on patios, providing a vertical element and a burst of color to outdoor living spaces.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long, sturdy stems and lasting blooms make 'Bells and Whistles' an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements, bringing their beauty indoors.
Hardiness: Campanula glomerata 'Bells and Whistles' is a hardy perennial suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. It can withstand a wide range of temperatures, making it a reliable addition to gardens in many regions.
Planting and Cultivation:
- Planting Time: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall to allow the plant to establish roots before winter.
- Location: Select a location that receives full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) or partial shade. While it tolerates some shade, especially in hot summer climates, full sun generally promotes the best flowering.
- Soil Preparation: 'Bells and Whistles' thrives in fertile soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. If your soil is acidic, you can amend it with lime. Ensure the soil is consistently moist but also well-drained to prevent root rot.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and the same depth. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Fill the hole with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant. Water thoroughly after planting.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears. Consistent liquid feeding at a low concentration (75-125 ppm) with each watering can also be beneficial.
- Staking: Taller flower stems may require staking, especially in windy locations, to prevent them from flopping over.
- Deadheading & Pruning: Cut back the plants hard after the initial flush of flowers to encourage a more compact habit and potentially a second round of blooms. This will also help prevent self-seeding if desired.
- Winter Care: In colder regions, a layer of mulch can be applied around the base of the plant in late fall to provide insulation and protect it during winter.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
