Campanula rotundifolia - Harebell

Sizes available: HPP #1 (3 plants per pot)

Basics: zone 2-7, sun to part shade (I think this can take quite a bit of shade, stay tuned), 4-12" x 6-8", charming violet-blue bell amongst grassy green foliage in late spring into summer (sporadic bloomer), prefers cool, but dry to medium moist, lean and perhaps alkaline soils. Think morning sun, well-drained, thin and rocky or sandy spots, for example. 

Common names: Harebell, Scottish Bluebell, older names include Bla-wort, Hair-bell, Lady's Thimble, Witch's Bells, Witch's Thimbles

Family: Campanulaceae

Origin/Distribution: This is one of many interesting species that is circumpolar, meaning pretty much native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere. I like these plants a lot because they make the "native-to" discussion more nuanced. This little charmer is native to temperate North America and Eurasia from Europe east to Siberia and Canada, south to Maryland, north to Indiana, northeast to Iowa, Nebraska, and Northern California, also south into the mountainous areas of Texas and northeastern Mexico. See what I mean? It should be our national flower.

Habitat: It's native habitats are dry, lean grasslands and heaths, dry meadows and prairies,  moist but rocky mountain slopes, open woods, lime-y cliffs, and even beaches

More: Great for rock gardens and dry, semi-shade. Can also grow in crevices and retaining walls. Seems delicate but can hold its own. I think best planted en masse in the front of a border or in a clump of 5-7 in a rock or gravel garden situation. Blooms at intervals for many weeks; will self sow if happy.

Nursery: landscape plugs from New Moon

Photo credits: Jelitto Staudensamen GmbH; Frank Meuschke of Shelterwood Gardens; Wikimedia Commons