What is the difference between bellflowers, campanula, and lily of the valley, which look alike?

In the floral world, many flowers look similar, especially those that resemble bells after blooming, and it is always hard to tell them apart at a glance. Among them, bellflower, campanula, and lily of the valley are the first to make people feel face-blind. How should you distinguish them when choosing flowers at the flower market on ordinary days? Let's learn about it together below.

Generally speaking, bellflower is also called balloon flower or six-angle lotus. Its flowering period is mostly concentrated from July to September each year. It belongs to the genus Platycodon in the family Campanulaceae. In appearance, its plant height ranges from 20 to 120 cm. Its leaves are ovate or ovate-lanceolate, relatively numerous, and the ordinary leaves are mostly opposite, while a few may be in whorls of 3. The flower colors are rich and varied, including purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, etc. The flowers generally grow in clusters at the top of the branches and droop, and the corolla has a relatively peculiar bell shape.

Also, campanula belongs to the genus Campanula in the family Campanulaceae. It is native to Europe and is cultivated in northern China. It has the earliest flowering period among the three bell-like flowers, mostly from April to June, that is, at the turn of spring and summer. In appearance, its herbaceous plant form is upright and strong, and its leaf shape is often ovate or obovate. After blooming, it generally forms a raceme naturally with 1-2 flowers clustered together. Its flower colors include white, blue, blue-purple, etc. Because of its outstanding appearance, it is usually seen in flower malls and artistic flower arrangements. In addition, in China, balloon flower also has the alternative name of bellflower, but it and the bellflower mentioned above are two different flowers of different families and genera, and their flower shape and plant form are also completely different, so do not confuse them.

Finally, lily of the valley belongs to the genus Convallaria in the family Liliaceae. It is native to eastern North America and is distributed in woodlands. Its flowering period is from April to May and it will bear fruit, with the fruiting period between June and July. In appearance, its plant height ranges from 20 to 30 cm. When growing, the plant grows upright upward. After blooming, it produces milky white bell-shaped small flowers, and as a whole it looks very petite and endearing, while also giving off a pleasant fresh fragrance.

In summary, when distinguishing bellflower, campanula, and lily of the valley, you can initially judge by their appearance and plant height, and you can also make the most direct distinction based on their different flowering times.