IDENTIFICATION: Creeping bellflower is most easily identified by its bright blue to purple nodding bell-shaped flowers and purplish, erect stem that are 2-4′ tall. Blooms appear from June through August. The lower leaves are heart shaped while the upper leaves are lance shaped and hairy underneath.

In Scotland, the harebell is sometimes known as the ‘bluebell’; elsewhere, it has picked up various local names, including ‘witches’ thimbles’ and ‘fairy bells’, alluding to magical associations. The Wildlife Trusts manage many grassland and coastal habitats sympathetically for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife.

Harebells and Bluebells in Folklore In Scotland Harebells and Bluebells are symbolic of constancy and everlasting love. In the rest of Britain they retain their association with death and grief and are often planted on or near graves. The flowers are also closely linked with fairy-lore.

Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia L.) Harebell, often called “bluebell”, is a flower found around the world in the Northern Hemisphere but most often, associated with Scotland.

The harebell is a delicate perennial that has a graceful appearance. They have slender stems, sometimes in clusters and some are so weak the plant bends over. Interestingly an old name for this plant in Scotland was Witched Thimble due to old folklore. The genus name, from the Latin campana (bell), means little bell.

The name, Harebell, has its roots in magic. The name came from the fact that Scottish Bluebells are found growing in meadows frequented by hares. Some would argue, the name Harebell was given this flower due to the fact that witches were known to turn themselves into hares and hide among them.

Usually, bluebell flowers symbolize gratitude and humility. However, they can also symbolize constancy and everlasting love. In this case, bluebells can also be associated with images of spirituality and purity, a common connotation for white flowers.

This erect, tall growing species is a short-lived perennial or biennial. Best grown from seed each year, Campanula pyramidalis thrives in moist, well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

Campanula poscharskyana | trailing bellflower Alpine Rockery/RHS Gardening.

The harebell is a relatively small plant and is most easily recognized by its small blue/lavender, drooping, bell-shaped flowers and the milky sap exuded by its stem. The most notable feature of the harebell is the flower. They either hang singly or they appear in clusters along the top parts of the stem.

The genus name, from the Latin campana (bell), means little bell. Distinguishing Features: The harebell is a relatively small plant and is most easily recognized by its small blue/lavender, drooping, bell-shaped flowers and the milky sap exuded by its stem.

Harebell grows in a variety of habitats ranging from full sun to shade; dry to moderate moisture; woods, meadows, cliffs, and beaches; in sandy, gravely soil. It can be found at elevations up to 12,000 feet in the Western United States.

Its stem leaves are narrow and grass like, but the basal leaves are rather round, hence the specific name rotundifolia. The narrow, wiry stem averages about a foot tall, while the thin, papery flowers are usually about an inch long. The plant has a milky sap when the stem or leaves are broken.