The most widespread Campanula species, distributed through much of the northern half of the Northern Hemisphere. It has lovely bell-shaped violet-blue flowers, slender leaves on the flower stems, and round basal leaves (often not present in mature plants), which is what the species name rotundifolia means.

It prefers places where it is not outcompeted by larger plants. In Minnesota, I've often seen it growing in cliffs. But that's just because most other habitats would have lots of more vigorous, taller plants. It grows beautifully in deep loamy soil, if taller plants do not shade it or invade its root area. It can handle pretty dry soil once it is established, but does best with consistent moisture.

Blooms beginning in June, and will keep blooming until October if it is deadheaded. Produces tiny seed that is released from holes in the top of the seed capsules, and easily blows in the wind.

I've only rarely seen seedlings in the garden. The soil is too dry and not stable enough for such tiny seeds. But I have successfully germinated seed in a pot with compost (leaf mold) in the bottom and a three-quarter inch layer of sand on the surface. Seedlings start out very tiny. After a few months, they are large enough to transplant into the garden.

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Although flowers are scentless, butterflies regularly visit this plant. Thrives in poor, dry soil.

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Grows nicely, keeps a nice compact size. Flowers are adorable and a very clear sky blue. Doesn't require much, good for a xeric setting. Survives my zone 5 easily.

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Range: in nearly all the high western mountains except the Sierra Nevada. Additional info: the genus name, from the Latin campana (which means "bell"), means "little bell". The name harebell may allude to an association with witches, who were believed to be able to transform themselves into hares, portents of bad luck when they crossed a person's path. In Scotland, another old name for this plant was "Witches' Thimble".

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