The Harebell is an elegant native wildflower with slender stems and delicately shaped blue-purple bell flowers. It grows naturally in lean grasslands, light woodland edges and sandy slopes. This perennial species is attractive to wild bees and solitary bumblebees, which can easily reach the nectar through the open bell flowers. With its modest height and airy growth, the Harebell fits well in flower-rich borders and gardens with open spots and sufficient light.
For what purposes can I use the Harebell?
Harebell thrives in sunny to lightly shaded spots with nutrient-poor, well-drained soil. Ideal for wildflower meadows, grassland restoration, bee strips and natural borders. It also does well in a rock garden or on light sandy soil. Thanks to its airy growth, it combines effortlessly with other native species without dominating.
What are the characteristics of the Harebell?
Native plant, naturally occurring in the Netherlands
Growth height: 15–40 cm
Blue-purple bell flowers on fine, slender stems
Attracts wild bees and solitary bumblebees
Flowering from June to September, peaking in early summer
Perennial, with good self-seeding on lean soil
Suitable for dry, nutrient-poor soil in sunny to lightly shaded spots
Combines well with other native species
How do I sow the Harebell?
Sow approximately 1 gram per m² (± 10,000 very fine seeds). Mix optionally with a little dry sand for even distribution. Choose an open, sunny or lightly shaded spot and sow directly at the desired location. Press lightly, but do not cover the seeds: they are true light-germinators.
The best sowing time is from May through July, but you can often also sow in autumn so the seeds can benefit from a cold period.
How do I maintain the Harebell?
The Harebell makes few demands on the soil, as long as it is not too nutrient-rich. Fertilisation is not necessary: lean soil helps keep the vegetation open and limit competition.
Mow the plant once per year, with the first cut at the end of August or once most flowers have bloomed out and the seed has formed. A second cut in October is optional, depending on how quickly the vegetation develops. Always remove mowings to promote impoverishment and give young plants sufficient light.
