Campanula Prichards Variety

Description

Campanula lactiflora ‘Prichard’s Variety’ – milky bellflower

Botanical name: Campanula lactiflora ‘Prichard’s Variety’
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. 90cm–1.2m tall × 60cm spread
Foliage: Leafy green stems and foliage; deciduous
Flowers: Large, branching heads of rich violet-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 ‘Prichard’s Variety’ is a fine milky bellflower with large branching heads of rich violet-blue bells over a long summer season. Stately and reliable, it is superb for cottage and mixed borders and bees.

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 in cottage and mixed borders, where its large heads of rich violet-blue bells blend 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

‘Prichard’s Variety’ is one of the best-known milky bellflowers, its large heads of rich violet-blue bells flowering for weeks and looking wonderful among roses. It’s a bit shorter and sturdier than some, so needs less staking; cut the whole plant back after the main flush and it will often reward you with a second flush of flowers.

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