Plant Overview
A British native wildflower which is very happy in the garden. Masses of violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers in late summer and autumn.
A natural meadow plant, although it’s ideal for growing in a mixed herbaceous border and works well in cottage-garden and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
The name harebell is thought to refer to its prevalence in meadows frequented by hares. Indeed, legend has it that witches would turn themselves into hares and hide among the flowers.
Common harebell is the county flower of Dumfriesshire, Yorkshire and County Antrim.
Height and Spread: 40cm x 45cm.
Common names: Harebell; English Harebell; Fairy Thimble; Ding-Dongs; Witches Thimble.
Also known as Scottish bluebell and bluebell of Scotland.
Photo: Littleisland lighthouse, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
