Campanula trachelium
bellflower / bats-in-the-belfry
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil:fertile, neutral to alkaline soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: June to September
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This attractive perennial is often found in hedges or woodland edges. Its bristly, nettle-like leaves form a basal clump, from which stout upright stems appear from midsummer to early autumn, bearing gorgeous lavender blue bells. In the garden, it looks wonderful when incorporated into naturalised planting schemes. - Garden care: Start off under glass or in a cold frame by surface-sowing seeds into trays of good seed compost and maintain temperatures at around 18-20C. When large enough to handle, thin out and grow on in individual pots and gradually harden them off before planting outside after the
- Sow: January to April
- Approximate quantity: 150