The Fairy Bellflower (Campanula)
In Spring garden centres and supermarkets fill with an array of beautiful plants to tempt and inspire us. One of the most brightly coloured and prolifically flowered of these plants is usually generically labelled as Campanula, which actually refers to a family of flowers. Its Latin name derives from the bell shape of its flowers for campanula means 'little bell' and in times past these plants were also known as Fairy Bellflowers or Fairy Bells. Another name for Campanulas is Fairy Caps for some Faeries are said to wear the flowers like hats. The bell shaped flowers open to a five pointed star which means that these purple flowers are linked with the symbolism of that most Witchy of symbols, the Pentagram. Just as the Pentagram is a symbol of magic, protection, the five elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water & Spirit), our five senses and the Goddess so too are Bellflowers. The Purple/Blue hue of many Campanulas is associated with Spirituality, the Faerie Path, th...