Fairy Bellflower

Campanula persicifolia (kam-pan-YOO-luh per-sis-ih-FOH-lee-uh)

Family: Campanulaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Peach-leaved bellflower is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial native to Europe and western Asia, and is typically found in mountain meadows and shrubby slopes. It has become naturalized by escaping from cultivation in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It has tall, stiff, sturdy stems, up to 1.5 to 3 feet tall, displaying clusters of large, broad, outward-facing, bell-shaped white to violet-blue flowers from June to July. The leaves are bright green and resemble the leaves found on a peach tree. This species is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name, Campanula , is Latin for campana , meaning bell, and refers to the plant's bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, persicifolia , means "having leaves like a peach"; hence, its common name. This plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. They prefer cool-weather climates and require afternoon shade and additional water in plant hardiness zone 7. Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Bellflowers will self-seed in optimal conditions, but are not invasive. Clumps can be divided every 2-4 years as needed. The upright and sturdy stems originate from basal rosettes of narrow, leathery, green leaves. The bell-shaped flowers are terminally arranged as racemes on top of the stems. The racemes of the bell-shaped flowers are showy and make good cut flowers. Use this plant in the perennial border, in groupings, open woodland, or naturalized areas where it can spread. Many cultivars and varieties exist to increase the range of size and flower color available for planting. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. Monitor for slugs, snails, and aphids.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.