Campanulas are known as Bellflowers, covering a wide range of species from robust, large herbaceous perennials, right down to small, slowly creeping alpines. In general, they all enjoy a position in a well-drained, cool soil in full sun, though several types grow happily in dappled and partial shade. Many campanulas are of Mediterranean origin, but their distribution covers most of temperate Europe across to Asia, even extending into the Himalayas. Campanula glomerata, the clustered bellflower, has its origins as a native British plant, and can be found growing wild in chalky meadows. The name Campanula derives from the Latin campana, or bell: hence, bell-ringers are known as campanologists!