Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Bells and Whistles Bellflower: Violet-Blue Beside Early Lavender
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Bells and Whistles clustered bellflower is a tall, very upright bellflower topped with rounded heads of dark violet-blue bells. Each stem ends in a tight cluster 2 to 3 inches across, with smaller clusters tucked into the upper leaf joints. It blooms a bit later than most clustered bellflowers, which lines it up nicely with early lavender.
It has all the bells. The whistles are up to you.
Bells and Whistles at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Campanula glomerata 'Bells and Whistles' |
| Flowers | Upward-facing deep violet-blue bells in 2 to 3 inch clusters |
| Foliage | Medium to dark green, lance-shaped |
| Size | 24 to 28 inches tall, 22 to 26 inches wide |
| Bloom | Starts mid-June, peaks late June, about six weeks |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 3 to 8 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade |
| Wildlife | Great for bees and hummingbirds; moderately deer resistant |
Layering blue and purple
Lavender's spikes are fine and airy. Bells and Whistles answers with solid, rounded balls of color on stiff stems, so the two shapes play off each other. The violet-blue is a shade cooler than most lavender, which gives a planting depth: purple spikes in front, blue globes rising behind.
Timing helps too. Its mid-June start and late-June peak overlap the first wave of English lavender. Plant it in groups of three or more for the best effect.
Finding the right spot
This is where honesty matters. Bells and Whistles enjoys sun like lavender, but it wants more regular water and slightly richer soil. The answer is the edge of the bed rather than the middle: the side closest to the lawn, a spot where a downspout adds a little moisture, or a transition zone between the lavender and a more traditional border. Keep the drainage good either way; crowded or soggy sites invite crown rot and mildew.
It also appreciates neutral to slightly alkaline soil, which many lavender gardens already have. In hot spells, a little afternoon shade and steady moisture help the flowers last.
Care through the year
- Spring: water as growth starts; divide crowded clumps now, every few years.
- Bloom: enjoy about six weeks of color as the side clusters follow the main heads.
- After bloom: cut the flowering stems back to tidy the plant.
- Winter: very hardy in Michigan with no protection needed.
For the vase
Its straight stems make it a good cut flower. Cut when the top cluster is about half open, and pair with fresh lavender for a two-tone bouquet.
Frequently asked questions
Can it go right in the lavender bed?
At the edge, yes. It wants a bit more moisture than lavender, so avoid the driest center of the bed.
Does it spread?
It forms a clump that widens over time. Dividing every few years keeps it in bounds and vigorous.
Is it fragrant?
No. Let the lavender bring the scent; this plant brings the shape.
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