Campanula lactiflora Senior

Description

Campanula lactiflora ‘Senior’ – milky bellflower

Botanical name: Campanula lactiflora ‘Senior’
Common names: Milky bellflower
Family: Campanulaceae (bellflower family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Tall, upright, clump-forming
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 1.2–1.5m tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Leafy green stems and foliage; deciduous
Flowers: Large, branching heads of soft lilac-blue bell-shaped flowers over a long period in summer (June–August)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Most soils; moist but well-drained, fertile; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 5–7
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Garden form; bellflowers are native to Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Campanula lactiflora ‘Senior’ is a tall milky bellflower with large branching heads of soft lilac-blue bells over a long summer season. Stately and easy, it is superb for the back of cottage and mixed borders.

GardenAdvice notes

A classic, much-loved cottage-garden perennial, the bellflower (Campanula) is grown for its charming bell- or star-shaped flowers, typically in shades of blue, violet, lilac, pink or white, carried generously over a long summer season. Easy, hardy and reliable, and loved by bees, it is a mainstay of cottage, mixed and informal borders.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in most moist but well-drained, fertile soils in full sun to partial shade — it is easy and adaptable. Space appropriately for its size. Water while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering, and cut the whole plant back after the main flush to tidy it and often encourage a second flush. Tall stems may need support in exposed spots or rich soil. Cut down old growth in late winter. Lift and divide congested clumps every few years in spring.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.
• Cuttings: Take basal cuttings in spring.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed, and species types often self-seed.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Slugs and snails can graze the young growth, and powdery mildew or rust occasionally occur. Otherwise easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb for height and a long display at the back or middle of cottage, mixed and informal borders, where its large heads of lilac-blue bells mix beautifully with roses and other perennials and hum with bees.

Wildlife value

Bellflowers are excellent for pollinators: their bell-shaped flowers are very attractive to bees and other pollinating insects over a long summer season.

Toxicity & safety

Bellflower is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

The milky bellflowers are among the best tall campanulas — ‘Senior’ gives large, long-lasting heads of soft lilac-blue bells that are wonderful with roses and alive with bees. It can need a little support in an exposed spot or rich soil; cut the whole plant back after the main flush and it often rewards you with a useful second flush of flowers.

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