Nettle-leaved Bellflower (Campanula trachellum) is sometimes better known as Bats in the belfry and is a member of the Bellflower Family.
This plant can reach a maximum height of 100 cm but in most cases it reaches a height of 40 – 80cm, its stem is unbranched with sharp edges and rough hair. The stem is often a reddish colour with bell shaped flowers. Each flower is hairy insde and begins life as an erect flower but slowly begins to drop which gives it its bell shaped appearance. Each flower is roughly 25 – 45 mm long and fused purple or even sometimes the flower can be white in colour.
The leaves of this plant have a nettle like appearance and therefore that is how it got its descriptive name. The leaves appear to have serrated edges and grows in shady areas although it is a very demanding plant.
The plant requires nutritious, rich soil and often does well as an ornamental plant with its Blue bell shaped flowers. The plant is a medium height species which flowers from June to September. Nettle Leaved Bellflower is most commonly found in woodland, grasslands and hedge banks.
Height: 40 – 80cm
Flowering Time: June to September
Preferred Conditions: Dry calcareous soil and can be found in woodland, scabby grassland and hedge banks.
