Bats in the Belfry: A Charming but Non-Native Garden Bell
With a name like bats in the belfry, you might expect something spooky, but Campanula trachelium is actually a delightful perennial that brings old-world charm to gardens across North America. This European native has found its way into many gardeners’ hearts—and flowerbeds—thanks to its distinctive bell-shaped blooms and easygoing nature.
What Exactly is Bats in the Belfry?
Campanula trachelium is a perennial forb, meaning it’s a non-woody plant that comes back year after year. Unlike shrubs or trees, it dies back to the ground each winter and emerges fresh each spring. This herbaceous perennial produces beautiful purple-blue bell-shaped flowers that dangle gracefully from sturdy stems, creating the whimsical appearance that likely inspired its quirky common name.
Native Status and Where You’ll Find It
Here’s something important to know: bats in the belfry isn’t actually native to North America. This European transplant has made itself at home across several states and provinces, including Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin. While it reproduces on its own in the wild, it’s not currently classified as invasive in most areas.
Garden Appeal and Aesthetic Value
What draws gardeners to this plant? The flowers are undeniably charming—imagine tiny purple bells swaying in the breeze. The heart-shaped leaves provide attractive foliage even when the plant isn’t blooming, and the overall effect is cottage garden perfection. Blooming from mid to late summer, it fills that sometimes-tricky gap when spring flowers have faded but fall bloomers haven’t yet taken the stage.
Where Does It Fit in Your Garden?
Bats in the belfry shines in several garden settings:
- Cottage gardens where its informal charm feels right at home
- Woodland gardens and partially shaded borders
- Naturalized areas where it can self-seed and spread
- Mixed perennial borders for mid-summer color
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about this plant is how adaptable it is. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for most of the northern United States and southern Canada. Here’s what it needs to flourish:
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (though it appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil of almost any type
- Water: Regular moisture, but not waterlogged conditions
- Maintenance: Refreshingly low-maintenance once established
Planting and Care Tips
Getting started with bats in the belfry is straightforward. Plant it in spring after the last frost, giving it space to spread since it can self-seed readily. Deadhead spent flowers if you want to prevent excessive self-seeding, though many gardeners enjoy the natural cottage garden effect of allowing it to naturalize.
The plant typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and spreads gradually over time. It’s quite drought-tolerant once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Benefits for Wildlife
While it may not be native, bats in the belfry does offer some benefits to local wildlife. The bell-shaped flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during its summer blooming period, providing nectar when many native plants may be taking a break.
Should You Plant It?
This is where things get interesting. While bats in the belfry isn’t problematic enough to avoid entirely, it’s worth considering native alternatives that provide similar garden value while supporting local ecosystems more effectively. Native bellflowers like American bellflower (Campanulastrum americanum) or harebell (Campanula rotundifolia) might be better choices for the environmentally conscious gardener.
If you already have bats in the belfry in your garden, there’s no need to rip it out—just consider pairing it with native plants and perhaps preventing excessive self-seeding to keep it from spreading beyond your intended garden areas.
The Bottom Line
Campanula trachelium is an charming, low-maintenance perennial that brings cottage garden appeal and summer blooms to northern gardens. While it’s not native to North America, it’s also not aggressively invasive in most areas. Whether you choose to grow it may depend on your gardening philosophy and how much you value supporting native plant communities. Either way, understanding what you’re planting—and where it comes from—helps you make informed decisions for your unique garden space.
