Discover 40+ bell-shaped flowers that bring elegance and charm to gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements with their unique, pendulous blooms.
Are you captivated by a charming foxglove or a delicate lily of the valley? Do you know what they have in common? Their bell-shaped flowers are charming and lively and decorate any garden. Let’s dive into this fascinating group of plants and explore what makes them unique.
Whether they are shaped like small bells or gracefully hanging down, they stand out for their simplicity and beauty.
In this ultimate guide, we will explore over 40 varieties flowers that look like a bell from yellow to purple and white and from tall to small.
What are the main characteristics of bell-shaped flowers?
Bell-shaped flowers have distinct rounded, tubular shape, which often resembles a bell or cup. Many varieties grow pendulous, hanging downwards or drooping gracefully, giving them an elegant and nodding appearance. They are characterized by their narrow base that opens up into a wider, flared shape at the top, resembling a bell’s silhouette. Bell-shaped flowers are known for their diverse colors, from purple and yellow to pink and white. They also vary in size from tiny, delicate blooms like Lily of the Valley to larger, more dramatic flowers like Angel’s Trumpet. This versatility makes them suitable for different garden styles. Additionally, their unique shape also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
List of bell shaped Flowers: Flowers that look like Bells
Adriatic Bellflower belongs to a group of herbaceous perennials in the Campanulaceae family. Native to the Adriatic region, it forms low, spreading mats of star-like, bell-shaped blue or lavender flowers. This flowering perennial thrives in rocky areas with well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its compact growth makes it ideal for rock gardens, borders, or as colorful ground cover during its summer bloom.
Another plant that resembles a bell is the Alpine Bellflower, a low-growing plant with deep blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. It thrives in rocky alpine areas and is ideal for rock gardens.
American Bellflower (Campanula Americana)
American Bellflower produces tall spikes of light blue to violet flowers in mid-summer. Unlike many bellflowers, its blooms are open and star-shaped, making it unique in appearance.
Native to South America, Angel’s trumpet is a striking plant known for its large, drooping flowers that resemble trumpets. These fragrant blooms come in various colors, including white, yellow, and pink, adding beauty to gardens. Angel’s trumpet is a woody shrub or small tree and does not have spines on its fruit, making it easier to handle.
However, these plants are toxic if ingested, containing chemicals called tropane alkaloids. These substances can cause confusion and hallucinations, similar to those caused by jimsonweed and deadly nightshade. While beautiful, it’s essential to handle Angel’s trumpet with care due to its potent effects.
Bell resembling Bearded Bellflower has nodding, pale pink red or white petals bell-shaped flowers with fringed edges. It prefers cool, moist conditions and adds a delicate beauty to alpine or woodland gardens.
The bellflower, or Campanula persicifolia, gets its name from the Latin word “campanula,” meaning “little bell.” This plant features stunning, bell-shaped blooms, usually vibrant blue or purple. It grows tall, reaching heights of up to 3 feet, and often has multiple blooms on a single stem. Its petals are smooth and often have a slightly ruffled edge, adding to its charm.
Bellflowers bloom in late spring to early summer, making them a lovely addition to gardens during this time. They prefer well-drained soil and can thrive in sunny or partially shaded areas. These flowers are also known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them beneficial for any garden.
Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)
Bell Heather, another plant that look like bell, is a charming, low-growing shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. It features bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, purple, or white, creating a lovely display in gardens and natural landscapes.
Bells of Ireland, or Moluccella laevis, is a summer-flowering annual native to Turkey, Syria, and the Caucasus. Known for its striking spikes of tiny white flowers surrounded by persistent, apple-green calyces, this plant symbolizes luck in the language of flowers.
As a member of the mint family, the stems can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements. This self-seeding plant prefers full sun and regular watering but does not thrive in hot, humid climates.
Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
Commonly known as the English bluebell, British bluebell, English harebell, or wild hyacinth, these flowers are a deep violet-blue. They have a unique bell shape formed by six petals with upturned tips. Known for their sweet scent, the blooms tend to lean to one side of the stem, which is called an inflorescence.
Legends say that bluebells are a home for fairies. The nickname “fairy flowers” comes from this folklore. It is said that fairies would hide among the flowers and ring the bluebell like a regular bell to call their friends.
Blue Dwarf Bellflower is a low, mounding plant with vivid blue, bell-shaped flowers. Its compact size makes it ideal for rockeries, edging, and small outdoor spaces.
Canterbury bells, or Campanula medium, are beautiful flowers resembling bells that come in vibrant colors like blue, pink, and white. These biennial plants can grow up to 3 feet tall and are known for their tall spikes covered in large blooms. The flowers are usually cup-shaped and hang down, giving them a charming appearance.
Canterbury bells bloom in late spring to early summer, making them a lovely addition to gardens.
Carpathian Bellflower forms neat clumps of heart-shaped leaves and produces cup-shaped flowers resembling bells in shades of blue, lavender, or white. It’s a popular choice for rock gardens and borders.
Castle Crags Bellflower is a rare species found only in northern California. It produces small, light blue bell-shaped flowers and thrives in rocky outcrops at high elevations.
Another bell looks like is Chimney Bellflower with striking, tall spires covered with numerous blue or white bell-shaped flowers. It can reach heights up to 6 feet, making it a dramatic addition to any garden.
Clustered Bellflower produces dense clusters of vibrant purple or blue bell-shaped flowers on sturdy stems. It is commonly used in borders and cottage gardens for its bold color and compact form.
Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)
Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is a perennial plant known for its creeping growth habit, which allows it to spread across the ground, unlike the taller Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) and the upright bellflower (Campanula persicifolia).
Heuchera sanguinea, commonly known as coral bells, is a flowering plant native to Arizona and New Mexico.The name “sanguinea” means blood-red, which refers to the color of its flowers. Coral bells feature small, bell-shaped blooms that grow on tall stems. The flowers typically bloom in spring and early summer.
Dalmatian Bellflower is a lovely member of a group of perennials in the Campanulaceae family. Native to the Dalmatian region, this plant features long stems with flower clusters that resemble bells in shades of blue or purple. Depending on the variety, it can thrive in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Dalmatian Bellflower is an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or borders, adding vibrant color and texture throughout the late spring and early summer months.
Daffodil
Daffodils, scientifically known as Narcissus, are one of the first signs of spring, bringing hope and warmth after winter’s chill. Native to northern Europe, these perennial plants feature trumpet-shaped flowers with six petals. They typically bloom in shades of yellow and white. Daffodils carry rich meaning and symbolism and is regarded as the birth flower of March.
Devil’s trumpets (Datura)
Devil’s trumpet is a captivating yet highly toxic plant known for its large, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in the evening. These flowers come in various colors, including white, purple, and yellow, and have a strong, sweet scent. Commonly referred to as thornapples or jimsonweeds, devil’s trumpet is also known as mad apple, moonflower, and hell’s bells.
All species of Datura are extremely poisonous, especially their seeds and flowers. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, rapid heart rate, fever, delirium, hallucinations, and even death. Due to its potent effects, it’s essential to admire devil’s trumpet from a distance and handle it with caution.
Another look-like bell plant is Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove. It is a stunning biennial or perennial plant known for its tall spikes of tubular bell-shaped flowers that droop slightly, resembling bells hanging from tall spikes. These flowers bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow, often with speckled throats, creating a striking display in gardens. Foxglove typically grows between 2 to 5 feet tall and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Digiplexis (Digitalis hybrid)
Another plant starting with the letter D is Digiplexis, a hybrid plant that results from crossing Digitalis (foxglove) and Isoplexis. Known for its vibrant, tubular flowers, Digiplexis features a range of colors, including shades of pink, purple, and white, often with attractive speckles. The flowers are similar in shape to traditional foxglove blooms, with a bell-like appearance that droops slightly.
False Lily of the valley (Heloniopsis)
Despite not being related to true lily of the valley, Heloniopsis is called False Lily of the Valley because of its bell-shaped flowers. These plants belong to the same family (Melanthiaceae) as true lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), but they are not closely related botanically. Despite their similar appearance, they are distinct genera.
Hyacinth
Letter h flower Hyacinth is a fragrant and spring-blooming bulbous plant known for its bell-shaped flowers of various colors. Hyacinths is fragrant flower with a sweet and intoxicating scent and historical and mythological significance. They are known for their elegant and graceful appearance, making them a popular choice for floral arrangements, gardens, and bouquets.
Italian Bellflower (Campanula isophylla)
Italian Bellflower is a trailing plant with small, star-shaped flowers in pink or lavender hues. It’s perfect for hanging baskets or as ground cover, brightening spaces with its delicate blooms.
Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum)
This plant from the Polemoniaceae family has bell-shaped or tubular flowers that can be blue, white, or purple. The flowers are often clustered together, creating a delicate display that can enhance your garden with its soft colors and feathery foliage.
Korean Bellflower (Campanula takesimana)
Korean Bellflower is a beautiful perennial known for its elegant, pink bell-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Native to Korea, these flowers typically appear in shades of white or pink and red with speckled throats. The plant grows up to 2 feet tall and spreads easily, forming dense clusters. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making it a lovely choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. Its unique, nodding flowers make a beautiful addition to any garden setting.
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) – Fragrant flower for bouquets
Lily of the Valley, scientifically known as Convallaria majalis from the Asparagaceae family, is a perennial plant celebrated for its delicate, bell-shaped white flowers and sweet fragrance. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, this charming plant blooms in spring, creating lovely clusters of tiny flowers that dangle from arching stems.
Milky Bellflower (Campanula lactiflora)
Milky Bellflower is a beautiful perennial in the Campanulaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, these garden plants feature clusters of creamy white or yellow flowers resembling bells. Milky Bellflower thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a lovely addition to hanging baskets or flower beds.
Another plant that looks bell is Mountain laurel, or Kalmia latifolia, a beautiful evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. It is known for its striking, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers can vary in color, featuring shades of white, pink, and lavender, often with darker markings. This plant is attractive and serves as an important habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Castle Crags Bellflower is a rare species found only in northern California. It produces small, light blue bell-shaped flowers and thrives in rocky outcrops at high elevations.
Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a hardy perennial native to North America. It is known for its tubular, bell-shaped red flowers that also come in a variety of orange. The plant’s spikes of blooms attract hummingbirds and bees, making it a great addition to pollinator gardens. Penstemon’s beautiful flowers grow in sunny locations with well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established. With its vibrant flowers and low maintenance, it adds color and life to rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows.
Piper’s Bellflower is a rare, compact species native to the Cascade Mountains, with deep blue flowers that look like bells. It thrives in rocky soils and is well-suited for alpine gardens.
Rainer’s Bellflower is a low-growing plant with pale blue, bell-shaped flowers. It’s native to the Alps and prefers well-drained, rocky soils, making it a great choice for rock gardens.
Serbian Bellflower is a charming member of a group of herbaceous perennials in the Campanulaceae family. Native to the Balkan region, it features sprawling stems that can grow up to 12 inches long, adorned with clusters of star-shaped flowers that look like bells and typically bloom in shades of blue or purple. This bell-shaped flower thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, rock gardens, or borders, providing vibrant color and texture throughout the summer months.
Snake’s Head Fritillary is a perennial known for its distinctive, nodding, bell-shaped flowers marked with a unique checkerboard pattern in shades of purple or white. Native to Europe, it typically grows up to 12 inches tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. The plant’s delicate blooms appear in early spring, adding a touch of elegance to meadows, woodland gardens, or shaded borders. Its unusual pattern and graceful shape making them an excellent choice for any garden.
Snowdrops
A bunch of snowdrops, tied with ivy leaves, was once sold as a charming symbol of early spring before the plant wasn’t fully protected. Snowdrops, scientifically known as Galanthus nivalis are creamy white blooms that signal the end of winter. Native to Europe, these short-lived perennials feature drooping, white, bell-shaped flowers with green markings at the tips. Snowdrops thrive in partial shade and well-drained soil, making them a lovely addition to naturalized areas.
Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica)
While the English bluebell comes in deep blue hue color, The Spanish bluebell comes in various colors, including pink, blue, and even white.
One distinguishing feature that differs from English bluebells is the petal shape. The Spanish bluebell has broader leaves and tends to stand more upright, while the English bluebell has a more pronounced and elegant bell shape. These flowers typically bloom in springtime and are popular among gardeners for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Spotted Bellflowers is a perennial flowers in the Campanulaceae family. Native to Asia and Europe, its bell-shaped flowers come in shades of purple, pink, or white, often marked with darker spots.
Eubotrys racemosa, also known as swamp sweetbells, fetterbush, or swamp doghobble, is a flowering shrub native to the Eastern United States, thriving from Massachusetts to Florida and Texas. It grows up to 4 meters tall and has thin, smooth, deciduous leaves with serrated edges. The plant produces rows of small, white, bell-shaped flowers that bloom along its branches. These blooms are followed by small fruit capsules. These bell-shaped beauties give it the “sweetbells” name, adding elegance to any garden.
Tussock bell flower (Campanula carpatica)
Tussock Bellflower is another charming perennial in the Campanulaceae family. Native to the Carpathian Mountains, this plant features tufted clumps of narrow leaves and produces lovely, blue bell-shaped flowers.
Twin Flower, or Linnaea borealis, is a delicate, low-growing evergreen plant native to cool, northern regions. It is named for its distinctive paired, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in soft pink or white on slender stems. The flowers have a light, sweet fragrance and typically appear in early summer.
Despite its small size, the charming twin flowers add a touch of elegance to your garden
Viking Bellflower has tall stems adorned with large, elegant bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. It grows well in moist but not waterlogged, shaded areas and heightens mixed flower beds.
White Mountain Heather is a hardy perennial native to alpine and subalpine regions of western North America. This low-growing shrub features small, bell-shaped white flowers that bloom in late summer, standing out against its needle-like evergreen foliage. It thrives in cool, moist, and well-drained soils, making it perfect for rocky slopes and high-altitude gardens. Its resilience to harsh conditions makes it a reliable addition to alpine plantings.
