Campanula, Genus, persicifolia, Species,
- Genus & species
Peach-leaved bellflower
Europe, North Africa, western Asia, Siberia
Overview
Campanula persicifolia is a clump-forming perennial in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), producing slender, upright flowering stems 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall from a basal rosette 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) wide. Basal leaves are narrowly lanceolate to oblong, 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long, with finely toothed margins and a glossy dark green surface that persists through mild winters. Stem leaves are narrower, 1–3 inches (2.5–7.5 cm) long, and attach directly to the stem. Cup-shaped to broadly bell-shaped flowers 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) across open from June to August, held singly or in groups of 2–4 along the upper half of each stem. Flower color ranges from violet-blue to white, and the corolla has five shallow lobes. Plants spread slowly by short rhizomes and by self-sown seed, forming colonies 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) wide in 3–4 years. Stems lean in rain and wind in rich soil or shade. Plants decline in hot, humid summers and in soil that stays waterlogged in winter. Rust and slugs affect foliage in damp seasons.
Native Range
Campanula persicifolia is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, extending east through Russia into Siberia. It grows in open woodland, scrub margins, and dry, rocky meadows on calcareous soils at elevations from sea level to about 5,000 feet (1,500 m).Suggested Uses
Used in cottage-style borders, mixed perennial beds, and cut-flower gardens, with plants spaced 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) apart. Flowers last 5–7 days as cut stems in water, and bees visit the open blooms in summer.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowers open from June to August, with peak bloom in late June and July. Each stem carries 6–12 flowers that open in sequence over 3–4 weeks, and each flower lasts 5–7 days. A second, lighter flush follows in September when spent stems are cut back after the first flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Violet-blue to whiteFoliage Description
Glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Plants receive about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week in the first season, and established clumps tolerate short dry periods. Flowering stems 30 inches (75 cm) or taller lean without support in rich soil. Clumps are divided every 3–4 years in early spring or early fall to maintain vigor. Self-sown seedlings appear near the parent plant, and seed heads are removed to limit spread. Slugs feed on young shoots, and rust appears on leaf undersides in humid summers.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut to the basal rosette after the first flush in July–August, which prompts a smaller second bloom and prevents self-seeding. Old foliage is trimmed to 2 inches (5 cm) in late winter before new growth. Clumps older than 4 years are divided and replanted in spring.Pruning Schedule
Prune: February & July–August
summerwinter
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
