Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' (Bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' 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 'Fleur de Neige' 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

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' is a clump-forming perennial bellflower reaching about 1.0 m. It produces summer flowers from June to September on upright stems. Leaves form basal rosettes and become narrower up the stem, with foliage that may be deciduous or semi-evergreen.

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 'Fleur de Neige' is a perennial bellflower native to regions of Belgium and established in traditional cottage planting. Plants make clumps to around 1.0 m and flower through June to September, providing a clear summer display on unbranched, erect stems. The species has basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with narrower leaves higher on the stem. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; most forms tolerate poorer soils provided they are moist but well drained. The soil should be neutral to alkaline in reaction. Note that alpine relatives need much sharper drainage than lowland forms. Sit plants in any aspect except deep shade and they will cope in exposed or sheltered sites. Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' carries UK hardiness H5–H7, that is from hardy through to fully hardy, so it suits outdoor planting across most of the UK. Use it in mixed borders where the 1.0 m stems can rise above lower companions, in rock gardens where drainage can be adjusted for alpine types, or in cottage-style beds. Space plants so neighbouring perennials do not obscure the flowering stems, allowing the summer blooms to be seen clearly.

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 'Fleur de Neige' 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 'Fleur de Neige'

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 'Fleur de Neige'?

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 'Fleur de Neige'?

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' need?

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' 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 'Fleur de Neige'?

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 'Fleur de Neige' grow?

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' hardy in the UK?

Campanula persicifolia 'Fleur de Neige' 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 'Fleur de Neige'?

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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