Peach-leaved bellflower.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial flowering plant

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

2-3 feet tall, 1-1.5 feet wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 8

Bloom time

Late spring to mid-summer

Care

Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further flowering and prevent self-seeding.

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in cooler weather.

Feeding

A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient.

Pruning

Cut back old flower stalks after blooming to tidy the plant and potentially encourage a second flush of flowers.

Repotting

Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Soil

Well-drained, average to slightly rich soil

Soil pH

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

Temperature

-34.4 to 32.2°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Non-toxic

Pets

Non-toxic

Edibility

This plant is not known to be edible.

How to identify it

• Upright, leafy stems
• Bell-shaped, upward-facing flowers
• Lance-shaped leaves
• Forms basal rosette
• Flowers in whorls

Height

0.6 to 0.9m

Spread

0.3 to 0.45m

Leaves

Green, evergreen

Flowers

Blue, Violet, White, 4 to 6cm

Common problems

• Slugs and snails — These pests can chew holes in the leaves and flowers, especially in damp conditions.
• Powdery mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems, often favored by poor air circulation.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Fall

Plant with companions that appreciate similar sun exposure and soil moisture to ensure a thriving garden display.

Grows well with

• Columbine — They bloom around the same time and have similar light and moisture needs, creating a harmonious display.
• Coral Bells — Their foliage provides a nice contrast, and they share similar growing conditions.
• Salvia — Many salvias bloom in summer and complement the bellflower's form and color.

Keep away from

• Snails — They can severely damage the foliage and flowers, especially in wet conditions.
• Slugs — Similar to snails, slugs are major pests for this plant.

Similar species

• Creeping Bellflower — It has a similar bell shape but is much more aggressive and invasive.
• Venus' looking-glass — Also a bellflower relative, but it's an annual with smaller flowers and a different growth habit.

Science

Family

Campanulaceae

Genus

Campanula

Order

Asterales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and Western Asia

In its native habitat, it often grows in woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides, preferring moist but well-drained soils.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Uses

Ornamental flower, Cottage gardens, Cut flowers, Pollinator gardens

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How tall does Peach-leaved bellflower get?

It typically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet.

Does it reseed itself?

Yes, it can reseed itself moderately, so be prepared to manage seedlings if you prefer.

Can I grow this in a container?

Yes, with adequate watering and good drainage, it can be grown in a container.

What colors do the flowers come in?

Flowers typically appear in shades of blue, violet, and white.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Peach-leaved bellflower' comes from the resemblance of its leaves to those of a peach tree. The scientific name 'Campanula' is derived from the Latin word 'campana', meaning 'bell', referring to the shape of its flowers.

Good to know

• Its specific epithet, 'persicifolia', means 'peach-leaved' due to the resemblance of its leaves to those of a peach tree.
• It's a popular choice for borders and mixed perennial beds.
• It can naturalize in suitable conditions.