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

Overview

Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' 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 'Prichard's Variety' 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 'Prichard's Variety' is a clump-forming perennial prized for its violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers borne on upright stems. It typically reaches about 1.0 m and forms basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves that become narrower up the flowering stems. Flowering runs from June to September. Suited to neutral or alkaline soils, it favours moist but well-drained loams, chalk or sand in anything but 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 'Prichard's Variety' originates from the mountains of Turkey and the Caucasus and represents one of the milky bellflower cultivars selected for clear violet-blue blooms. Plants form clumps to around 1.0 m with basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves and multiple branching flowering stems that carry conical clusters from June to September. Position the plant in full sun to partial shade; it will tolerate exposed sites as well as more sheltered locations. Soil should be neutral to alkaline and kept moist but never waterlogged — suitable substrates include loam, chalk or sandy soils, and many Campanula types cope with relatively poor soils provided drainage is adequate. Avoid deep shade where flower production will fall away. Hardiness is H5–H7, meaning it is hardy to fully hardy across most of the UK. Use it in mixed borders, traditional cottage-plantings and for cutting where the upright stems and long flowering period are useful. Allow space for clump expansion and to let the flowering stems show; the violet-blue blooms give continuity through the summer months when set against paler or foliage-rich neighbours.

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 'Prichard's Variety' 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 'Prichard's Variety'

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 'Prichard's Variety'?

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 'Prichard's Variety'?

Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' need?

Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' 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 'Prichard's Variety'?

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 'Prichard's Variety' grow?

Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' hardy in the UK?

Campanula lactiflora 'Prichard's Variety' 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 'Prichard's Variety'?

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

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