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

Overview

Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' 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 'Superba' 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 'Superba' is a clump-forming perennial reaching about 1.0 m with a strong summer display. It produces basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, with narrower foliage higher on the stems, and may be deciduous or semi-evergreen. Best grown in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soils that are moist but well drained. Flowering occurs June to September.

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 'Superba' belongs to the Campanulaceae and originates from Turkey and the Caucasus. It grows to roughly 1.0 m and forms a substantial clump that can read as upright or loosely spreading depending on position and cultivar. The foliage forms basal rosettes with narrower leaves along the flowering stems. Place it in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates exposed as well as sheltered aspects but should not be planted in deep shade. Soil may be loam, chalk or sand and the species copes well with poorer soils, provided they are neutral to alkaline in reaction and remain moist but well drained. Note that alpine Campanula types need much sharper drainage, but this lactiflora form prefers steady moisture. Hardiness is rated H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), so plants survive normal UK winters in most districts. Use Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' in herbaceous borders, cottage-style beds or for cutting; it reaches about 1.0 m so place it behind lower perennials. Stems carry flowers from June to September and provide long, airy sprays well suited to summer vases.

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 'Superba' 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 'Superba'

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 'Superba'?

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 'Superba'?

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

What soil does Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' need?

Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' 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 'Superba'?

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 'Superba' grow?

Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' hardy in the UK?

Campanula lactiflora 'Superba' 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 'Superba'?

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 →