Looking for a reliable summer flowering perennial that provides months of colour with very little maintenance? Campanula persicifolia, commonly known as the Peach Leaf Bellflower, is one of the easiest and most rewarding perennial plants you can grow.
With tall flower spikes carrying elegant bell-shaped flowers in shades of lavender-blue or pure white, this clump-forming perennial brings height, colour and pollinator activity to the garden throughout summer. Suitable for cottage gardens, mixed perennial borders and even informal ground cover plantings, Campanula persicifolia is a tough and dependable performer.
The attractive evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage provides interest for much of the year, while the flowers are excellent for cutting and arranging indoors.
Why Grow Campanula persicifolia?
Campanula persicifolia is one of the most popular of all the bellflowers, and for good reason.
The narrow, glossy foliage forms a neat clump at ground level before sending up slender flower spikes that can reach around 1 metre in height. The bell-shaped flowers appear over a long period during summer and are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
The species itself is usually grown for its lavender-blue flowers, while the white flowering form, Campanula persicifolia ‘Alba’, is an exceptionally strong-growing and reliable garden performer.
In our garden the plants remain evergreen, maintaining good foliage cover throughout the year. They are slow spreading, easy to manage and useful as a low-maintenance ground cover beneath taller perennials.
Another excellent cultivar to look for is ‘Chettle Charm’, which produces beautiful white flowers delicately tinged with blue.
Key Benefits
- Long flowering through summer.
- Excellent cut flower.
- Evergreen foliage in many climates.
- Attracts bees and pollinators.
- Low-maintenance perennial.
- Suitable for cottage gardens and perennial borders.
- Slow spreading and easy to control.
- Performs well in Australian gardens.
Landscaping Uses
Peach Leaf Bellflower is a versatile plant that fits into many garden styles.
It works particularly well planted in drifts through perennial borders where the tall flower spikes can rise above lower-growing plants. The blue and white flower forms combine beautifully with roses, salvias, daisies and other traditional cottage garden favourites.
Ideal uses include:
- Cottage gardens.
- Mixed perennial borders.
- Pollinator gardens.
- Informal garden beds.
- Woodland edge plantings.
- Cut flower gardens.
- Ground cover beneath taller perennials.
- Containers and large pots.
For maximum impact, plant in groups of three to five plants rather than as individual specimens.
Growing Conditions
Climate
Campanula persicifolia is suited to temperate and cool-climate regions and adapts well to many Australian gardens.
Position
Grow in:
- Full sun in cooler climates.
- Part shade in warmer regions.
- Light afternoon shade where summers are hot.
We grow ours with protection from the hottest afternoon sun and find this provides excellent flowering and healthy foliage.
Soil
For best results provide:
- Humus-rich soil.
- Moist but well-drained conditions.
- Soil improved with compost or coir peat.
- Good organic matter content.
Digging in well-rotted compost before planting will improve both moisture retention and soil structure.
Campanula persicifolia Care
Once established, Peach Leaf Bellflower requires very little attention.
Watering
We rarely water our established plants. However, during extended dry periods or particularly hot summers, additional watering will improve flowering and overall performance.
Mulching
Apply organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilising
Feed in early spring with a quality slow-release fertiliser. We use Seamungus in our garden with good results. A liquid seaweed fertiliser can also be applied during spring growth.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular deadheading encourages repeat flowering and helps keep plants looking tidy.
Cut flower stems back once flowering has finished.
Division
Divide established clumps in early spring before new growth begins. This is also the easiest method of propagation.
Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Campanula persicifolia
Common Name: Peach Leaf Bellflower
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Height: 80cm–1m
Spread: 40–60cm
Position: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained soil
Flower Colour: Lavender-blue, blue or white
Flowering Time: Summer
Foliage: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
Growth Rate: Moderate
Frost Tolerance: Good
Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
Best Features at a Glance
- Elegant bell-shaped flowers.
- Blue and white flowering forms available.
- Long flowering season.
- Excellent cut flower.
- Evergreen foliage in many climates.
- Attracts bees and beneficial insects.
- Easy-care perennial.
- Ideal for cottage gardens and mixed borders.
Related Species and Cultivars
If you enjoy growing Campanula persicifolia, you may also like:
- Campanula rotundifolia
- Campanula vidalii
- Campanula glomerata
- Campanula medium
- Campanula persicifolia ‘Alba’
- Campanula persicifolia ‘Chettle Charm’
Each offers the same charming bell-shaped flowers with variations in height, colour and flowering habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Campanula persicifolia evergreen?
In mild climates it is often evergreen. In colder areas it may become semi-evergreen or die back before regrowing in spring.
Does Campanula persicifolia attract bees?
Yes. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other beneficial pollinating insects.
Can Peach Leaf Bellflower be grown in pots?
Yes. It performs well in large containers filled with quality potting mix and provided with regular watering.
How tall does Campanula persicifolia grow?
Flower spikes can reach around 1 metre in height under good growing conditions.
Is Campanula persicifolia drought tolerant?
Established plants tolerate short dry periods, however they perform best with occasional watering during prolonged summer drought.
How do you encourage repeat flowering?
Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout the season to encourage further blooms.
More About Campanula
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Where To Buy
www.planterspatch.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au