White dwarf bellflower Campanula cochlearifolia var. alba
ABOUT
Campanula cochlearifolia var. alba, commonly known as white bellflower, is a charming plant prized for its delicate appearance. This plant boasts a basal rosette of small, heart-shaped leaves that are bright green in color and have a soft, smooth texture. The leaves form a compact cluster, creating a lush and verdant ground cover. As the main attraction, the plant produces an abundance of bell-shaped flowers that are pure white and dangle gracefully from slender, arching stalks. The blossoms are marked by their lovely rounded petals, which are fused at their base into a characteristic bell shape, inviting a closer look. This display of white flowers stands out against the green foliage, giving the impression of little white bells peppered across the plant. Throughout the blooming season, these flowers are a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding to the plant's visual appeal with their presence. The white bellflower carries a simple yet elegant beauty that makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a touch of whimsy to their gardens. This perennial is well-suited for rock gardens, border fronts, and even as an underplanting for taller plants, where its flowers can add a bright, cheerful contrast.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
White Fairies' Thimbles, White Tiny Bells, Dwarf White Bellflower
Common names
Campanula pusilla var. alba, Campanula cochleariifolia var. alba.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as fairy thimble (Campanula cochlearifolia var. alba) is not known to be toxic to humans. Consequently, ingesting this plant is unlikely to cause poisoning or adverse symptoms.
To pets
Fairy thimble is not known to be toxic to pets either. Therefore, ingestion of this plant by cats, dogs, or other domestic animals should not result in poisoning or serious health issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its delicate white bell-shaped flowers.
- Ground Cover: Serves as an effective ground cover, filling gaps and suppressing weeds.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Can survive dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Tolerates cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Rock Gardens: Ideal for rock gardens due to its alpine origins and preference for well-drained soil.
- Border Planting: Works well as edging along borders or pathways with its compact habit.
- Erosion Control: Helps prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its spreading nature and root system.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides visual interest from late spring to early summer when in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ground Cover: Campanula cochlearifolia var. alba, also known as fairy thimble, is often used in gardens for ground cover due to its spreading habit and dense foliage.
- Rock Gardens: Owing to its compact size, fairy thimble is an ideal choice for rock gardens where it can grow in crevices and spread over rocks.
- Decorative Pots: Fairy thimble can be planted in decorative pots or hanging baskets to adorn balconies or patios with its delicate white flowers.
- Wedding Decor: The white blossoms of the fairy thimble make it a popular choice for wedding decor, especially for rustic or garden-themed weddings.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its enchanting name and appearance, fairy thimble is often used to create fairy gardens, much beloved by children and fantasy enthusiasts.
- Edging Plants: Gardeners use fairy thimble as edging plants to define walkways and borders in a garden setting.
- Photography: The appealing aesthetic of fairy thimble's white flowers makes it a subject for nature photography and plant studies.
- Art Inspiration: The structure and beauty of fairy thimble can be an inspiration for artists, serving as a motif in various forms of artwork.
- Alpine Trays: Fairy thimble can be included in alpine trays or trough gardens which are miniature landscapes mimicking alpine environments.
- Culinary Decoration: Although not widely known, the flowers of fairy thimble can be used to decorate desserts and salads, though one should ensure they are safe and free of pesticides before consuming.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Fairy Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Fairy Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude: The bell-shaped flowers of the Fairies' Thimbles are often associated with gratitude, reflecting the beauty and bounty of nature that many are thankful for.
- Constancy and Perseverance: Fairies' Thimbles exhibit a hardy nature, able to thrive in various conditions, symbolizing the ability to maintain consistency and determination over time.
- Humility: The delicate and modest appearance of the Fairies' Thimbles flowers can represent humility, suggesting a gentle and unassuming position in life or relationships.
- Everlasting Love: Often found in cottage and informal gardens, Fairies' Thimbles have been tied to the idea of endless love, with their perennial growth representing an ongoing affection.
WaterThe Fairy Bellflower, should be watered regularly to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. It's best to water it once every week, but this can vary depending on the temperature and humidity levels. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water it more frequently. When you do water, apply approximately 1 gallon of water to the base of the plant, ensuring you soak the soil thoroughly but do not leave the plant sitting in water. In winter, reduce watering to every few weeks or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
LightThe Fairy Bellflower thrives in partial shade to full sun. The best spot for this plant would be where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can cause the leaves to scorch. An east or north-facing location that gets bright, indirect light for most of the day is ideal for this plant's growth.
TemperatureThe Fairy Bellflower does best in moderate to cool temperatures and can withstand a range from as low as 30°F to as high as 75°F. It can survive light frosts but should be protected from extreme cold. The ideal temperature for optimal growth would be between 60°F and 70°F during the daytime.
PruningThe Fairy Bellflower should be pruned to remove dead or faded flowers to encourage a second bloom and to maintain a compact growth habit. This deadheading can be done throughout the flowering season. Additionally, trimming back the plant after the initial bloom can promote healthier foliage and a more vigorous second flowering. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in the spring or after the plant has finished its main flowering cycle in summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Fairies Thimbles thrive in well-drained soil mixed with compost and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingThe Fairies Thimbles should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingThe Fairies Thimbles prefers moderate humidity levels but is tolerant of a range of conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Fairies Thimbles in bright, indirect light with good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant Fairies Thimbles in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
The Fairies Thimbles is suitable for USDA zones 3-8.
Life cycleCampanula cochlearifolia var. alba, commonly known as white dwarf bellflower, starts its life cycle when seeds germinate in the early spring, after experiencing the cold stratification of winter, which breaks seed dormancy. The seedlings grow rapidly into rosettes of basal leaves, absorbing sunlight to fuel their growth. Throughout the spring and early summer, the plants develop upright flowering stems that bear the characteristic white, bell-shaped flowers, attracting pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit capsules containing numerous tiny seeds that mature by late summer. As the flowering period ends, the plant may enter a phase of dormancy, especially in climates with cold winters, conserving energy in its root system. The life cycle can begin anew the following spring, or if conditions allow, the plant may also propagate vegetatively through offsets.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: For Campanula cochlearifolia var. alba, commonly known as the white fairy thimble or white dwarf bellflower, the most popular method of propagation is by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring after the threat of frost has passed or in autumn. Indoors, start the seeds about 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date. Scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, as they require light for germination and should not be covered. Keep the soil evenly moist and at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Under the right conditions, germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. Seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once they are sufficiently large to handle and after gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.
