Campanula lactiflora (milky bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula lactiflora is a clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Campanula lactiflora grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5-H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Caucasus.

About

Campanula lactiflora is a perennial that reaches about 1.0 m, forming clumps or upright stems with basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves. It flowers from June to September in the UK. Give it full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soil that is moist but well drained, avoiding deep shade; alpine forms require much sharper drainage.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula lactiflora

About the genus

Campanula is the type genus of the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. Campanula are commonly known as bellflowers and take both their common and scientific names from the bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell".

Wikipedia contributors, "Campanula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula

In the garden

Campanula lactiflora is a member of the Campanulaceae and originates from the Caucasus. It grows to roughly 1.0 m and can be clump-forming, mat-forming or erect depending on the strain, producing basal rosettes with narrower leaves higher up the stems. Flowering occurs from June to September in the UK, providing summer stems of a useful length. Plant it in a spot receiving full sun to partial shade, and choose loam, chalk or sandy soils on the neutral to alkaline side. Most plants tolerate poorer soils so long as they remain moist but well drained; alpine forms need sharp, free-draining mixes. It suits exposed or sheltered sites and will survive typical UK winters, being rated H5–H7 (hardy through most regions). Use Campanula lactiflora towards the centre or rear of borders, in cottage-garden mixes or for cutting. Stems around 1.0 m are well suited to summer bouquets, which is why growers often include it specifically for cut flowers in mixed borders and informal arrangements.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage
Aspect: Any except deep shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5-H7

Plant details

Campanula lactiflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula lactiflora

Cultivation: Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.
Pruning: Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are the real problem, particularly on emerging spring growth and on alpine rosettes.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy; rust and powdery mildew appear on crowded or drought-stressed plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Campanula lactiflora?

Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Campanula lactiflora?

Campanula lactiflora prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula lactiflora need?

Campanula lactiflora grows best in loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage.

How do I prune Campanula lactiflora?

Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.

How big does Campanula lactiflora grow?

Campanula lactiflora reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula lactiflora hardy in the UK?

Campanula lactiflora has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Campanula lactiflora?

Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.

More in the Campanula genus

Browse all Campanula →