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

Overview

Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' 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 'Loddon Anna' 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 Turkey and Caucasus.

About

Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' is a perennial bellflower that reaches about 1.0 m and flowers in summer (June to September). It produces upright stems above basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves. The cultivar suits mixed borders and cottage gardens and can be grown for cut flowers. It tolerates a range of soils provided they are moist but well drained and not in deep shade.

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 'Loddon Anna' is a clump-forming perennial native to Turkey and the Caucasus and belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It grows to around 1.0 m and carries its summer display from June to September, making it a mid- to late-season presence in the border. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH; most plants of this species also tolerate poorer soils so long as they remain moist but well drained. Avoid deep shade and give a free aspect: the species performs equally in exposed or sheltered positions. The cultivar sits in hardiness classes H5–H7, which means it is hardy to very hardy and suited to most UK gardens. Position 'Loddon Anna' towards the middle or rear of a mixed border where its 1.0 m stems can rise above lower perennials, or use it in a cottage-style bed where cut stems can be gathered. Its stature and flowering season make it useful for cutting during June to September when stems are at their best.

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 'Loddon Anna' 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: Turkey, Caucasus

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna'

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 'Loddon Anna'?

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 'Loddon Anna'?

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

What soil does Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' need?

Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' 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 'Loddon Anna'?

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 'Loddon Anna' grow?

Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' hardy in the UK?

Campanula lactiflora 'Loddon Anna' 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 'Loddon Anna'?

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 →