If you’re looking to add elegance and sophistication to your garden, bell-shaped flowers are the perfect choice.
With their delicate petals and unique shape, these flowers will surely add charm to any garden.
From the classic Bells of Ireland and Morning Glories to new easy-care Petunias and Calibrachoa, there are many different types of bell-shaped flowers to choose from.
In this post, I will introduce you to 10 stunning, annual bell-shaped flowers that will enhance your garden and bring a smile to your face every time you see them.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these flowers are sure to impress!
Want the inside scoop on more gardening tips? Get early access to all my blogs and exclusive content by signing up for my newsletter!
Why Add Bell-Shaped Flowers to Your Garden
When it comes to creating a visually captivating garden, bell-shaped blossoms, with their distinct form, add a touch of grace, elegance, and whimsy reminiscent of tinkling bells swaying in the breeze create a sense of enchantment and garden beauty that is hard to resist.
Bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of sizes, colours, and species, each possessing its own unique charm.
But bell-shaped flowers not only add visual interest to your garden, they also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies because of the simplicity of their form.
Their unique shape and nectar-filled blossoms irresistibly invite these important creatures into your garden, ensuring a thriving, biodiverse ecosystem.
Tips for Adding Bell-Shaped Flowers to Your Garden Design
Consider the following when you bring bell-shaped flowers into your gardening space:
Know Your Garden Plan
When it comes to placement, consider using bell-shaped flowers as borders or edging along pathways to create a defined and polished look.
Bell-shaped flowers can be planted in clusters or arranged in mixed flower beds for a more natural and relaxed feel.
Additionally, hanging baskets or window boxes filled with cascading bell-shaped blooms can add a charming touch to balconies or patios.
Related: How to Plan and Design a Garden in 4 Simple Steps
Know Your Garden Growing Environment
Not all bell-shaped flowers thrive in the same growing conditions. Some may prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.
It seems obvious, but be familiar with your garden climate. Know how the sun moves, how the wind blows, and how water flows through your garden.
Note where and when the sun shines directly on your space. Watch to see when the sun begins to give light, how long it stays, and when it becomes shady.
And lastly, know your plant growing zone, especially if you plan to grow perennials.
Related: New to plant growing zones? Check out: What are Plant Hardiness Zones & How do They Work?
This information in your back pocket lets you provide the appropriate growing conditions for your bell-shaped flowers.
Consider Colours
Look at your garden’s colour palette and choose bell-shaped flowers that complement the existing plants and overall theme.
For a serene and calming atmosphere, opt for soft pastel hues like pale pink, lavender, or creamy white.
If you prefer a more vibrant and energetic garden, choose bold, bell-shaped flowers in red, orange, or purple shades.
Think about the Height and Structure of Your Garden
Bell-shaped flowers can vary in size, from petite blossoms to larger, more grandiose blooms.
To create depth and visual interest, plant taller or climbing varieties at the back of flower beds or against fences, as well as shorter ones towards the front.
Flowering Time
Consider the bloom time of the bell-shaped flowers as well.
Annuals add constant colour while perennials cycle through their flowering times. Some perennial varieties may flower in the spring, while others may bloom in the summer or fall.
By selecting a combination of annuals and perennials with different bloom times, you can craft a garden with a continuous display of bell-shaped beauties throughout the growing season.
Related: Understanding Perennial Seasons of Bloom
Want the inside scoop on more gardening tips? Get early access to all my blogs and exclusive content by signing up for my newsletter!
10 Captivating Annual Bell-Shaped Flowers for Your Garden
I have always loved annual flowers because they bloom and add zest to a garden throughout the growing season.
Annuals are flowers that complete their life cycle from seed to flower, producing more seed to continue the species in one growing season.
Related: From Seed to Bloom: Understanding the Fascinating World of Annual Plants
Here is a list of stunning bell-shaped flowers that will enhance your garden and make it a truly breathtaking sight.
1. Browallia
Shade-loving Browallia, also known as Browallia Speciosa, boasts vibrant blossoms in shades of blue, purple, and white that resemble delicate Petunias.
Its attractive, heart-shaped leaves and cascading growth habit make it perfect for hanging baskets or as a lovely ground cover.
Native to tropical regions of Central and South America, Browallia thrives in warm, humid environments. Thanks to its eye-catching flowers and adaptability, it’s been a favourite among gardeners for years.
Browallia Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Browallia enjoys bright, indirect sunlight and will grow well in the shady areas of your garden.
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch its leaves, and to protect those beautiful blooms.
Soil Needs: Browallia prefers well-draining, fertile soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Be mindful of overwatering, as Browallia prefers well-drained soil.
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) weekly to promote vibrant blooms.
Related: How to Understand Fertilizer Labels
Bonus Tips: Deadheading the spent flowers will encourage new blooms and keep your plant looking tidy.
2. Bells of Ireland
If you want to add a unique and stunning touch to your garden, look no further than the Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis)!
Bells of Ireland are known for their tall, vertical spikes adorned with beautiful green bell-shaped flowers that are a favourite for cut flowers and garden borders.
These enchanting plants can grow up to 1m (3′) tall, making them perfect for adding height to borders and bouquets!
Fun Fact: Bells of Ireland symbolize luck and good fortune, making them a perfect gift for special occasions!
Bells of Ireland Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Plant in full sun for the best growth. They thrive in 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil: Bells of Ireland grow best in fertile, well-drained soil. Adding compost can enrich the soil and improve drainage.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply when the top layer is dry to avoid root rot if the soil is too wet. Mulch helps to retain soil moisture.
Related: What is Mulch? Making Garden Magic with Mulch
Fertilizing: To promote vigorous growth, feed Bells of Ireland with a balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) weekly during the growing season.
Bonus Tips: Once flowering is finished, cut back the stalks to promote continued growth.
Planting Bells of Ireland with other flowers can create a beautiful contrast in the garden and as cut flowers! They pair particularly well with vibrant colours, making them a stunning centrepiece in any arrangement.
3. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Versatile Calibrachoa is famous for adding vibrant colour and charm to any sunny garden, patio, or balcony.
Often referred to as Million Bells or Superbells, this stunning flowering plant is a favourite among gardeners for its abundant blooms and easy care.
Calibrachoa features small, trumpet-shaped flowers in a stunning array of colours, from vibrant pinks and yellows to deep purples and whites.
These plants are known for their lush trailing habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets, containers, or ground cover.
Calibrachoa (Million Bells/Super Bells) Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Calibrachoa thrives in full sun, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In particularly hot climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent wilting.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Calibrachoa hates to dry out and will become straggly with dried leaves if they get too dry too often.
Fertilizing: Feed these annual plants with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) weekly during the growing season to promote vigorous blooming.
Bonus Tips: Regular deadheading isn’t necessary, but trimming back leggy growth encourages a fuller and more compact plant.
Keep an eye out for aphids or spider mites. A gentle water spray or insecticidal soap can help control these pests without harming the plant.
Mix different colours for a stunning display, or pair them with complementary plants for a truly eye-catching arrangement!
4. Datura
Datura, commonly known as Jimsonweed or Angel’s Trumpet, is another favourite annual; it is a unique and visually stunning plant that can be a fantastic addition to your garden.
Datura features large, trumpet-shaped flowers atop sage-green velvety leaves. Their flowers can be single or double in white, yellow, or purple, and their upright blooms are often fragrant.
Datura can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 1m (3′) or more in our zone 3-4 climate; it can also be bushy, making it an impressive focal point.
Datura Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Datura loves full sun, so plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Datura prefers a slightly drier growing environment and grows best in well-draining soil.
Watering: Datura doesn’t like wet soil. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, but time the watering so the leaves don’t wilt.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) during the growing season to promote lush growth and abundant blooms.
Bonus Tips: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage reflowering and cut back any unwanted growth to maintain shape.
While beautiful, all parts of the Datura plant are toxic if ingested. Please keep Datura away from pets and children!
5. Fuchsia
Fuchsia is a genus of flowering plants known for its exquisite, dangling flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
There are numerous Fuchsia variety options; from cascading trailing varieties perfect for hanging baskets to upright types that make a stunning statement in garden beds or container plantings.
Fuchsias are pollinator-attracting plants, and the upright ‘Gartenmeister’ Fuchsia is particularly popular with hummingbirds.
Fuchsia Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Fuchsias thrive in partial to full shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so find a spot with morning sun, afternoon shade, or filtered light.
Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter is a must for healthy growth. Consider adding compost, bark, or perlite for extra nourishment and drainage.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering is key, especially during hot summer months!
However, avoid waterlogging, as too much moisture can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) during the growing season to promote lush growth and abundant blooms.
Bonus Tips: Deadhead old flowers regularly to keep Fuchsias flowering all season.
Trim back dead or leggy stems to promote bushy growth and abundant blooms.
Keep an eye out for aphids and spider mites on Fuchsias. If you spot them, a gentle water spray can help dislodge them, or insecticidal soap can be used to treat a more persistent aphid problem.
Fuchsias are sensitive to cold temperatures and windy weather. They prefer warm, mild conditions, so protect them from frost and provide some shelter from harsh winds.
6. Lophospermum
Lophospermum is a fast-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves and beautiful tubular flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, and white.
This annual vine has lush, green foliage that can climb or trail, making it perfect for hanging baskets and trellises. It is also wonderful for sunny container gardens on patios, balconies, and decks.
Lophospermum is native to Central and South America. It is known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract pollinators, making it a fantastic addition to your outdoor landscape!
Lophospermum Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Lophospermum thrives in full sun to partial shade. Too much shade may result in fewer blooms!
Soil: Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist and avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) during the growing season to promote lush growth and abundant blooms.
Bonus Tips: Regular pruning helps maintain shape and encourages more blooms.
7. Mirabilis
Another of my top favourite bell-shaped annuals is Mirabilis jalapa, commonly known as Four O’Clocks!
These delightful plants are not only known for their vibrant blooms but also for their unique growth habits.
Mirabilis produces trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in a variety of colours, including pink, yellow, and white, above its heart-shaped foliage, which provides a lush backdrop.
What’s intriguing is that the flowers usually open in the late afternoon and close by the morning, which earned them their nickname, Four O’Clocks.
Mirabilis typically grows to about 1-3 feet tall, making them a perfect complement for borders.
Mirabilis Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Mirabilis thrives in full sun to partial shade. For the best blooms, choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Soil: Well-draining soil is a must! Adding organic compost will help improve soil fertility and drainage.
Watering: Water Four-O-Clocks regularly, especially during dry spells, but be careful not to overwater. They prefer slightly dry soil between waterings.
Fertilizing: A weekly application of a water-soluble balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) can promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
Bonus Tips: Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms, and you can prune back the plant if it gets gangly.
Keep an eye out for aphids. Regular checks can prevent infestations!
Mirabilis is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. Plant them alongside other bee-friendly flowers for a vibrant, lively garden!
8. Morning Glory
Morning Glory (Ipomoea) is a beautiful flowering vine native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world that is cherished for its vibrant bell-shaped blooms and fast growth, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a splash of colour to their garden spaces.
These fast-growing annuals can reach heights of 2-3.5m (6-10′), showcasing a captivating display of blossoms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
The flowers bloom in the morning and close by the afternoon, hence the name ‘Morning Glory.’
Morning Glory Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Morning Glory thrives in full sun, so pick a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Ensure well-drained soil; they prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth.
Fertilizing: These plants are not heavy feeders, but a biweekly balanced fertilizer feeding (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) can promote vigorous growth.
Bonus Tips: Provide trellises or structures for climbing; they love to reach for the sky!
These beauties can self-seed, so consider leaving some flower heads on the plant after they bloom for the next season!
Morning Glories attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them not only a pretty addition to your garden but also beneficial for the ecosystem!
Want the inside scoop on more gardening tips? Get early access to all my blogs and exclusive content by signing up for my newsletter!
9. Petunias
If you want to add vibrant bell-shaped colour to your garden, consider Petunias and their superstar sibling, Supertunias!
These classic annuals come in a variety of colours and patterns. They are known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and lush foliage, perfect for borders, containers, or hanging baskets in sunny locations.
Supertunias are a unique hybrid that only grows from cuttings. They are renowned for their amazingly vigorous growth, abundance of blooms, and self-cleaning nature, requiring no deadheading.
Petunia Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Petunias and Supertunias thrive in bright, full sun. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for the best bloom production.
Soil: Well-draining soil is key. If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix to ensure proper drainage.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, as wet soil makes plants vulnerable to root rot.
Fertilizing: Petunias are heavy feeders. To promote lush growth and vibrant blooms, fertilize your plants weekly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20).
A little slow-release fertilizer added to the potting soil will help to keep them well nourished, too.
Bonus Tips: Watch out for aphids, as Petunias are their favourite meal. If spotted, blast them off with a strong stream of clear water, and if they are persistent, treat them with insecticidal soap.
Supertunias and many new varieties of Petunias are self-cleaning and don’t require deadheading. If they are not self-cleaning, deadhead them regularly to promote vibrant flowering all season.
Lightly prune Petunias to encourage more blooms and a tidy appearance.
Related: A Practical Guide to Growing Beautiful, Eye-Catching Petunias, 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Petunias.
10. Thunbergia
Thunbergia, sometimes called Black Eyed Susan, is a fast-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves that produces stunning bell-shaped flowers in various colours, including yellow, orange, pink, and white, all typically with a characteristic dark center.
Thunbergia can reach heights of up to 3.5m (10′), making it perfect for trellises, fences, and hanging baskets.
It brightens up any garden, patio, deck, or balcony and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making your gardening space a haven for pollinators.
Thunbergia Growing Tips:
Sunlight Requirements: Thunbergia loves the sun! For optimal growth, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Use well-draining, high-quality potting mixes enriched with organic matter.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing: Feed with a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (Nature’s Source, 15-30-15, 20-20-20) weekly to promote abundant blooms.
Bonus Tips: Regularly pinch back the vines to encourage bushier growth and deadhead spent flowers to extend blooming.
Watch out for aphids and spider mites. A gentle spray of water can often deter these pests, or you can use insecticidal soap if necessary.
There’s More the Bell-Shaped Flower Adventure!
The roster of bell-shaped flowers is deep and wide, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
There are more annual bell-shaped flowers to explore, like the shade-loving Abutilon, or Malva, and Cobea scandens, which grow in sunny locations.
There are so many benefits to adding bell-shaped flowers to your garden. Not only do they add dimension and whimsy, but they also have a practical benefit of attracting pollinators! Their shape provides easy access for pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and moths.
If you are looking for more ideas on what to add to your garden, check out my blog 10+ Bell-Shaped Perennial Flowers to Add to Your Garden, or how to improve the overall health and beauty of your plants, subscribe to my newsletter for more tips!
More to Explore
- 15 Tough Zone 3-4 Perennials for Hot, Dry Weather
- 10+ Amazing Annual and Perennial Flowers to Grow in Full Sun
- The Best Annual and Perennial Flowers for Your Zone 3-4 Pollinator Garden
- How to Master Your Shade Garden: A Complete Guide to Growing Annuals and Perennials in the Shade
- 4+ Great Fall Blooming Perennial Flowers for the Prairies
©Sharon Wallish Murphy ©Gardening with Sharon
