Fairy Bellflower, Fairy Bells, Peach Bells, Petticoat Bellflower, Willow Bell, Peachleaf Bellflower
Campanula persicifolia, also known as Peach-Leaved Bellflower, is a graceful clump-forming perennial with tall stems adorned by cup-shaped flowers in shades of violet-blue to white.
Campanula persicifolia, commonly known as Peach-Leaved Bellflower, is a perennial flowering plant native to northern and alpine regions of Europe.
Description: Combining grace and elegance, Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leaved Bellflower) is a clump-forming perennial that sends up tall, sturdy stems which bear large, outward-facing, cup-shaped, single or double flowers.
Size: Campanula persicifolia typically grows in clumps up to 18-36 inches tall (45-90 cm) and 12-18 inches across (30-45 cm).
Foliage: The plant forms a clump of basal leaves that are narrow, toothed, bright green, and reminiscent of a peach tree’s leaves, hence the common name. Campanula persicifolia is evergreen in warm winter climates.
Flowers: The flowers are bell-shaped, 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) in size, and bloom in shades of violet-blue to white. The stems are slender and often unbranched.
Blooming Season: The plant blooms from early to mid-summer. It will flower longer if regularly deadheaded. The bell-shaped flowers provide a charming cottage-garden appeal.
Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, meaning it can withstand winter temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit ((-40 Celsius).
Uses: The Peach-Leaved Bellflower is frequently used in perennial borders, wildflower gardens, rock gardens, or cottage gardens. Due to its height and upright habit, it works well as a background plant. It’s also suitable for cut flowers.
Pollinators: The bell-shaped flowers attract various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Toxicity: The plant is non-toxic and is safe around pets and children.
Deer and Rabbit: The plant is generally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a good choice for gardens where these creatures are prevalent.
Invasiveness: While the plant can self-seed prolifically under the right conditions, it is not considered invasive.
Key Facts: Campanula persicifolia has been grown as a garden plant for centuries and there are several cultivated varieties available, some of which have double flowers. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a tough and hardy plant that can adapt to various conditions.
Campanula persicifolia, or the Peach-leaved Bellflower, is a wonderful addition to your garden for several reasons:
Aesthetics: The bell-shaped flowers of this plant are charming and beautiful, adding a distinctive and delicate touch to any garden. The blooms, usually in shades of blue or white, provide a stark contrast against its bright green foliage, making it an eye-catching feature.
Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Campanula persicifolia are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice if you wish to encourage pollinators in your garden.
Easy to Grow: The Peach-leaved Bellflower is a hardy plant that can adapt to various soil and light conditions, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Resistance to Pests: This plant is generally resistant to both deer and rabbits, so you won’t need to worry much about these creatures damaging your plants.
Cut Flowers: The flowers of Campanula persicifolia are long-lasting when cut, making them a great option for vases and floral arrangements.
Variety: There are several cultivars available, some with double flowers, offering you a good range of choices for your garden.
These reasons, along with its classic appeal and versatility, make Campanula persicifolia a worthy addition to any garden.
| Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Campanula |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Campanula persicifolia, or the Peach-leaved Bellflower, is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in garden design. Here are some ideas:
Border Planting: Their height, which can reach up to 3 feet (90 cm), makes them ideal for the middle or back of the border where their elegant bell-shaped flowers can rise above lower-growing plants.
Cottage Gardens: Campanula persicifolia fits perfectly into a classic cottage garden scheme. The plant’s charm and colorful blooms pair well with other traditional cottage garden plants like roses, foxgloves, and delphiniums.
Rock Gardens: The shorter varieties of Campanula persicifolia are an excellent choice for rock gardens where their low foliage and pretty flowers can be shown off against the stones.
Woodland Gardens: As they do well in partial shade, they can be effectively used in woodland garden settings. Pair them with ferns, hostas, or other shade-loving plants for a serene and lush display.
Wildflower Meadows: The natural look of Campanula persicifolia makes it a great addition to wildflower meadows. They can easily be naturalized and their self-seeding nature will help them spread and fill in spaces over time.
Container Gardening: Smaller varieties can also do well in containers, where they can be used to add height and color.
Campanula persicifolia is a lovely and versatile plant that can pair well with a variety of companion plants. Here are some suitable options:
Roses: The delicate, bell-shaped flowers of the campanula create a striking contrast with the robust blossoms of roses.
Foxgloves (Digitalis): Both of these plants enjoy similar growing conditions and their flowers have a similar shape but contrasting sizes, which can create an interesting visual dynamic.
Salvias: The bright blues and purples of the campanula can complement the vibrant hues of salvias.
Delphiniums: Campanulas and delphiniums both enjoy full sun and well-drained soil, making them a good pairing.
Grasses: Ornamental grasses can create a beautiful contrast with the bold foliage and delicate flowers of the campanula.
Geranium (Cranesbill): Geraniums are perennial plants known for their bright, round flowers and mounded growth habit. They come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, white, and blue, and are known to attract beneficial insects.
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle): A charming, low-growing perennial with soft, pale green foliage that has a frothy, billowing effect. Its small, chartreuse flowers appear in late spring to early summer and can add a touch of lightness to the garden.
Achillea (Yarrow): Yarrow is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial that produces flat clusters of small, brightly colored flowers atop long, sturdy stems. It’s appreciated for its feathery, fern-like foliage and its ability to attract butterflies.
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear): A perennial plant appreciated for its soft, woolly leaves that have a silvery color. It’s quite low-growing and can act as a ground cover. It produces small, purplish flowers, but it’s mainly grown for its tactile foliage.
Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower): A hardy perennial known for its large, daisy-like flowers with raised centers. The flowers are typically purple or pink. Echinacea is a great plant for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Hemerocallis (Daylily): A robust perennial that produces lily-like flowers in a variety of colors. Each flower only lasts for a day, but each plant produces many flower buds ensuring a long blooming period.
Penstemon (Beardtongue): A perennial plant known for its tube-shaped flowers that are loved by hummingbirds. The flowers come in various colors including red, pink, white, and purple, depending on the species.
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena): A perennial plant that is loved by butterflies. It produces small, purple flowers in clusters at the top of tall, slender stems, giving the plant an airy look.
Eryngium (Sea Holly): Known for its distinctive, thistle-like flowers that are often blue or metallic in color. The flowers are surrounded by spiky bracts, which can add a unique texture to your garden.
Remember, companion planting is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about finding plants that thrive in similar conditions. Campanula persicifolia prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to part shade, so it’s best to choose companions that enjoy the same conditions.
Growing Campanula persicifolia, also known as the Peach-leaved Bellflower, is relatively easy if you follow these steps:
Location: Choose a spot in your garden with full sun to partial shade. Campanula persicifolia can tolerate a range of light conditions but will bloom best with plenty of sunlight. It prefers part shade in warmer climates and it is intolerant of extreme heat.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil. While it can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, it prefers slightly alkaline soil conditions.
Planting: You can sow seeds directly in the garden in spring or autumn or start seeds indoors around 8 to 10 weeks before the last expected frost. When planting or transplanting, ensure that the crown is level with the ground and space plants approximately 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
Watering: Campanula persicifolia prefers consistently moist soil, but it does not like waterlogged conditions. Water regularly, especially in dry conditions, but make sure the soil can drain properly.
Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and cut back to basal foliage after flowering to prevent self-seeding.
Fertilizer: To promote abundant and vibrant blooms, feed your Campanula persicifolia with a liquid fertilizer during the summer months. This will provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and beautiful flowers.
Dividing: Every 3-5 years, divide the plants in the spring to maintain vigor.
Propagation: Propagate by seed, cuttings or division.
Pests and Diseases: This plant is generally pest-free and resistant to diseases, but watch for slugs and snails which may be attracted to the plant.
Remember, the key to growing Campanula persicifolia successfully is a combination of the right location, good soil, and regular watering. It’s a relatively low-maintenance plant, making it a great addition to any garden.
Fotoflor
| Hardiness |
3 - 8 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Campanula |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Early, Mid) |
| Height |
1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm) |
| Spread |
1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Hummingbirds, Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
