Campanula persicifolia (peach-leaved bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula persicifolia 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 persicifolia 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, rock gardens and cottage gardens. It is native to W Eurasia.

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 persicifolia is a perennial native to western Eurasia, valued for its upright flowering stems that lift bell-like blooms above the foliage. Plants usually form clumps and reach around 1.0 m, providing a summer display between June and September. Flower colours are typically lilac-blue or white. Position plants in full sun to partial shade; they will take most situations except deep shade and suit exposed or sheltered sites. Soil should be neutral to alkaline, and range from loam to chalk or sand — many plants tolerate poorer soils provided they remain moist but well drained. Note that alpine forms prefer particularly sharp drainage. Use peach-leaved bellflower in mixed borders, cottage gardens or among stones in rock gardens where the flowering stems can be seen against lower-growing companions. Its basal rosettes and narrower stem leaves give clear structure when not in bloom, and the roughly metre-high flowering stems carry colour through the summer months, lifting the eye above low herbaceous plants.

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 persicifolia 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, rock gardens, cottage gardens
Native to: W Eurasia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula persicifolia

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 persicifolia?

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 persicifolia?

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

What soil does Campanula persicifolia need?

Campanula persicifolia 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 persicifolia?

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 persicifolia grow?

Campanula persicifolia reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula persicifolia hardy in the UK?

Campanula persicifolia 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 persicifolia?

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.

From the Fenn Plants journal

More in the Campanula genus

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