Buy peach-leaved bellflower Campanula persicifolia 'var. alba'

Campanula persicifolia var. alba

peach-leaved bellflower

A classic of the cottage garden, this tall bellflower produces large, white cup-shaped flowers on slender stems in June and July among toothed, bright green leaves, which it retains all year. It's an ideal plant for the back of a mixed or herbaceous border, especially in partial shade.

Campanula persicifolia var. alba is eralier into flower than many other varieties, and provides excellent cut-flowers, too.

How to care for Campanula persicifolia var. alba:

Plant in full sun or light shade, in moist but well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Space them with good airflow to help prevent mildew, and water during prolonged dry spells, especially in their first season. Protect emerging foliage in spring from slugs, which can cause early damage.

Stake with brushwood or canes early in the season to support the upright stems. Apply a 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted compost in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Deadhead regularly to extend the flowering period and reduce unwanted self-seeding. Cut back the faded flowering stems in late summer to neaten the plant and encourage possible late blooms. Divide congested clumps in spring or autumn to maintain vigour.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.9m

Eventual spread:

0.3m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.