Bell-shaped flowers add color, fragrance, and beauty to any landscape. Whether you want to attract hummingbirds, bees, or butterflies, or simply enjoy their graceful forms, there is a bell-shaped flower for every occasion.
In this article, we will introduce you to 25 of the most beautiful bell-shaped flowers, with pictures and descriptions to help you identify them. You will also learn some tips on how to grow and care for these lovely plants in your own garden.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides)
Hyacinthoides, commonly known as bluebells or wood squills, are a genus of bulbous perennial plants in the family Asparagaceae.
They are native to Eurasia and have predominantly blue lavender flowers that are shaped like bells. The flowers are arranged in one-sided clusters that nod or droop to the side of the stem. Bluebells are associated with ancient woodland habitats and provide nectar for various insects in spring.
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
Coral Bells (Heuchera) are perennial plants that produce bell-shaped flowers in various colors, such as pink, red, white, and purple. They are native to North America and grow well in shady areas with moist soil.
Coral Bells attract hummingbirds and butterflies and can be used as ground covers, borders, or containers. They are also resistant to deer and rabbits, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners.
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
One of the most charming and fragrant flowers of the spring season is the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis). This perennial herb belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) and is native to Eurasia and eastern North America.
It has glossy green leaves at the base of the plant and produces clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers that hang from arching stems. The flowers have a sweet scent that is often used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Lily of the valley grows well in shady areas and heavy clay soil, forming a dense mat of rhizomes and stolons that spread easily.
Bellflower (Campanula)
Bellflower (Campanula) is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Campanulaceae. The name Campanula comes from the Latin word for bell, referring to the shape of the flowers.
Bellflowers have bell-shaped corollas that can be blue, purple, pink, white, or yellow. They are widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of the Southern Hemisphere. Bellflowers are popular ornamental plants for gardens, borders, and containers.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a wild flowering plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It has distinctive clusters of bell-shaped flowers at the top of the stems, which can be purple, pink, white, yellow, or red.
The flowers have speckled throats that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. Foxglove grows commonly in woods, heaths, rocks, and acid soils. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens for its striking appearance.
Canterbury Bell Flower (Campanula medium)
Canterbury Bell Flower (Campanula medium) is a biennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to southern Europe and has been widely cultivated for its attractive and fragrant flowers.
The flowers are large, broadly bell-shaped, and come in various colors, such as pink, white, purple, and blue. They are arranged in a raceme inflorescence and bloom from late spring to mid-summer.
Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the Amaryllidaceae family. They are native to South Africa and have large, showy blooms that come in various colors. One of the distinctive features of amaryllis flowers is their bell-shaped form, which gives them a graceful and elegant appearance.
Amaryllis flowers are often grown indoors as potted plants, especially during the winter season, when they can brighten up any room with their vibrant colors and shapes.
Arbutus
Arbutus is a genus of flowering plants in the heather family, Ericaceae. It is characterized by its bell-shaped flowers, which are usually white or pink and hang in clusters from the branches. Arbutus flowers are attractive to bees and hummingbirds, and some species produce edible fruits that are consumed by humans and animals.
Arbutus is native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America, and grows well in dry, rocky soils.
Ardisia
Ardisia is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Primulaceae. They are characterized by having bell-shaped flowers that are usually white, pink, or red. Ardisia flowers are often fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Some species of Ardisia are cultivated as ornamental plants for their attractive foliage and flowers.
Balloon Flower (Platycodon)
Balloon Flower (Platycodon) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the bellflower family. It is native to East Asia and has been cultivated for its ornamental and medicinal value. The name “balloon flower” comes from the shape of the flower buds, which resemble inflated balloons before they open.
The flowers are usually blue, purple, pink, or white, and have five lobes that form a star-shaped corolla. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and can bloom from late spring to early autumn.
Bells of Ireland
Bells of Ireland are annual plants that produce bell-shaped green calyces along their stems. These calyces are often mistaken for flowers, but they actually contain tiny white or pink blossoms inside.
Bells of Ireland are popular in floral arrangements and bouquets, as they add a touch of elegance and freshness to any setting. They are also associated with good luck and prosperity in some cultures.
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Convolvulus arvensis, commonly known as field bindweed, is a species of perennial vine in the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). It is native to Europe and Asia but has become widely naturalized and invasive in many parts of the world.
It grows along the ground and climbs up other plants and structures with its twining stems. It has bell or funnel-shaped flowers that are white to pinkish with darker pink stripes. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and bloom from mid-summer to fall.
Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. They are native to South America and are commonly grown as ornamental plants. Calibrachoa flowers have a distinctive bell shape, with five petals that are fused at the base.
The flowers come in various colors, such as pink, purple, yellow, orange, and white. Calibrachoa plants are often confused with petunias, but they have smaller flowers and leaves and are more tolerant of heat and drought.
Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana)
Doghobble (Leucothoe fontanesiana) is a species of evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae family, native to the southeastern United States. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and has glossy, leathery leaves that turn reddish in winter.
In spring, it produces fragrant, white, bell-shaped flowers in clusters along the stems. Doghobble prefers moist, acidic soils and partial shade, and can be used as a hedge, specimen, or accent plant in woodland or naturalized gardens.
Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants that are known for their bell-shaped flowers. The flowers have four long, slender sepals and four shorter, broader petals. The sepals are usually a different color from the petals, creating a striking contrast.
Fuchsia flowers come in various colors, such as pink, purple, red, white, and orange. Fuchsia plants are popular ornamental plants in gardens and containers, as they attract hummingbirds and butterflies with their nectar-rich flowers.
Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica)
Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae, native to eastern China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is a medium-sized evergreen shrub or tree that grows in mountain thickets and is widely cultivated in gardens. It has oblong leaves that open with a reddish-bronze color before turning green.
In late winter and early spring, it produces drooping clusters of white or pink flowers that resemble lily-of-the-valley. The flowers are bell-shaped and have a delicate appearance.
Snowdrop (Galanthus)
Snowdrop (Galanthus) is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the Amaryllidaceae family. They are among the earliest blooming flowers in temperate regions, often appearing before the vernal equinox.
Snowdrops are characterized by their distinctive bell-shaped flowers, which consist of six tepals arranged in two whorls. The outer whorl is usually white, while the inner whorl is often marked with green or yellow.
The flowers are borne on slender stems that bend downwards, giving them a nodding appearance. Snowdrops are pollinated by insects, especially bees, and produce small capsules containing black seeds with elaiosomes that attract ants for dispersal.
Wood Hyacinth (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
Wood Hyacinth (Hyacinthoides hispanica) is a bulbous perennial plant native to Spain, Portugal, and northwest Africa. It has bell-shaped flowers that range from blue-lavender to pink or white and bloom in late spring.
The plant can tolerate various light and soil conditions and spreads easily by seeds or bulb offsets. Wood Hyacinth is also known as Spanish Bluebell or Squill.
Lobelia
Lobelia is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the bellflower family. The flowers have a distinctive shape, with five petals fused into a tube and two lips. The lower lip is usually larger and has three lobes, while the upper lip has two lobes.
Lobelia flowers come in various colors, such as blue, purple, pink, white, and red. They are often used as ornamental plants in gardens, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Penstemon
Penstemon is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the plantain family. They are characterized by their bell-shaped flowers, which come in various colors and sizes.
Penstemon flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, and can be grown in different types of soils and climates. Penstemon is a popular choice for gardeners who want to add some color and diversity to their landscapes.
Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia)
Harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). It is widely distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe and Asia. Harebell is characterized by its slender stems, basal leaves, and nodding flowers that have a distinct bell shape.
The flowers are usually blue or purple, but can also be white or pink. Harebell is often found in dry grasslands, meadows, rocky slopes, and cliffs, where it can tolerate drought and cold conditions.
Abutilon
Abutilon is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. They are commonly known as Indian mallow or bellflower, because of their bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors. Abutilon flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and bees and can be grown as ornamental plants in gardens or containers.
Abutilon plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and require warm temperatures and moist soil to thrive. Some species of Abutilon are also used for medicinal purposes, such as treating coughs, wounds, and inflammation.
Allium
Allium is a genus of flowering plants that includes many species of ornamental and edible bulbs. One of the distinctive features of allium flowers is their bell-shaped form, which consists of six tepals that curve outwards from the center.
The bell shape gives the flowers a graceful and elegant appearance and also allows them to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Allium flowers come in various colors, such as purple, pink, white, yellow, and blue, and can be grown in different climates and soil types.
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia)
Angel’s Trumpet (Brugmansia) is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae. They are characterized by their large, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors and fragrances. These flowers can reach up to 50 cm (20 in) in length and 35 cm (14 in) in diameter, making them some of the most impressive ornamental plants.
Angel’s Trumpet is native to tropical regions of South America but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in other parts of the world.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine (Aquilegia) is a genus of perennial plants that belong to the buttercup family. They are known for their distinctive bell-shaped flowers that come in various colors and patterns. Columbine flowers have five petals that are elongated and curved, forming a hollow spur at the base.
The flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies that can reach the nectar inside the spurs. Columbine plants are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and they can grow in a range of habitats, from woodlands to meadows to rocky slopes.
