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Fairy Thimbles Wikimedia Commons
Campanulaceae

Fairy Thimbles

Campanula cochleariifolia

humility and fairy enchantment.

Family
Campanulaceae
Genus
Campanula
Native to
European Alps, Mountains of Europe
Bloom season
Summer
Type
herbaceous perennial
Height
5-15 cm
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Soil
well-drained, rocky, alkaline
Water
moderate
Hardiness
4-7
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The tiny nodding bell-shaped flowers are said to be the thimbles used by fairies in mountain folklore.
  • Despite its delicate appearance, this alpine bellflower is incredibly tough and can grow in crevices of mountain limestone.
  • It spreads by underground runners to form charming mats studded with miniature blue bells.
  • The species name cochleariifolia means with spoon-shaped leaves, describing its rounded basal foliage.
  • It is one of the smallest campanula species but also one of the most floriferous, producing dozens of flowers per plant.

Color meanings

0

humility

1

fairy enchantment

2

gratitude

3

constancy

Uses

  • rock gardens
  • alpine troughs
  • wall crevices
  • ground cover