Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' (Peach-leaved bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' 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 'Blue Belle' 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 Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

An herbaceous perennial reaching about 1.0 m, Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' carries upright clumps of narrow leaves with taller flowering stems. It offers a summer display of lilac-blue or white bell-type flowers from June to September. Leaves form basal rosettes with narrower foliage higher on the stems and may be deciduous or semi-evergreen. Suited to sun or partial shade and neutral to alkaline soils, it performs well in typical UK garden situations.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula persicifolia

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 'Blue Belle' is a clump-forming perennial native to regions of Belgium, including the Brussels-Capital Region, the Flemish Region and the Walloon Region. Plants reach about 1.0 m and carry basal rosettes with narrower stem leaves, producing a summer sequence of lilac-blue or white flowers from June to September. The habit ranges from compact clumps to more upright stems, depending on growing conditions. Place it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; most will tolerate poorer soils provided they remain moist but well drained. Soil pH should be neutral to alkaline, and avoid deep shade. Hardiness is H5–H7, meaning the range from broadly hardy to fully hardy across typical UK winters; the species will cope in both sheltered and exposed sites appropriate to those ratings. Use 'Blue Belle' in mixed borders, cottage gardens and rock garden settings where a summer flowering spike is useful. Its upright stems make it suitable for mid-border positions or tucked behind lower rockery plants. Plan for its June to September flowering when assembling seasonal borders so the bellflower’s summer display complements other perennials.

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 'Blue Belle' 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: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle'

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 'Blue Belle'?

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 'Blue Belle'?

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

What soil does Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' need?

Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' 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 'Blue Belle'?

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 'Blue Belle' grow?

Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' hardy in the UK?

Campanula persicifolia 'Blue Belle' 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 'Blue Belle'?

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 →