Peach-leaved Bellflower Campanula persicifolia 'Bennett's Blue' (d)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Peach-Leaved Bellflower 'Bennett's Blue' showcases a delightful array of bell-shaped, deep blue flowers, which are a notable characteristic for their rich and vibrant hue. These flowers bloom with an open, outward-facing form, allowing for a full view of their beauty. Their petals are slightly reflexed, adding a sense of depth and texture to the floral display. The blooms are arranged on upright flower stalks, lending an elegant vertical element to the plant's structure. Beneath the striking flowers, the foliage forms a basal rosette of long, narrow leaves. These leaves are glossy and smooth with a lance-shaped outline that tapers to a point, resembling the shape of a peach leaf, which inspires the plant's common name. The foliage provides a lush green backdrop that makes the blue flowers stand out even more. Overall, the Peach-Leaved Bellflower 'Bennett's Blue' exudes a quintessential cottage garden charm with its combination of enchanting blue flowers and attractive green foliage, creating a picturesque display in any garden setting it graces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae.
Synonyms
Peach-Leafed Bellflower, Fairy Bellflower, Willow Bell.
Common names
Campanula persicifolia 'Bennett's Blue'
ToxicityTo humans
Peach-leaved bellflower is not known for being toxic to humans. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant, as it is generally considered safe. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Peach-leaved bellflower is also not known for being toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for animals like dogs and cats, and there are no specific symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant. Nonetheless, it is recommended to monitor pets and prevent them from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Campanula persicifolia, commonly known as Peach-Leaved Bellflower, is a favorite of bees and butterflies, which helps pollinate surrounding plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: 'Bennett's Blue' has striking blue-violet flowers that add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: This perennial is known for being hardy and requiring minimal care once established, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Drought Resistant: Once established, the Peach-Leaved Bellflower can tolerate periods of dry weather.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a relatively long flowering season, which typically lasts from early summer to early autumn.
- Cottage Garden Charm: The plant's elegant form and flowers contribute to the classic charm of cottage-style gardens.
- Versatility: It's suited to a range of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The blue and violet flowers of Peach-leaved Bellflower can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering shades from light lavender to deep violet depending on the mordant used.
- In floral crafts: The stems and blooms of Peach-leaved Bellflower can be incorporated into floral crafts such as wreath making or dried flower arrangements.
- As a photographic subject: The striking blue flowers make Peach-leaved Bellflower an excellent subject for photography, particularly macro photography which highlights the delicate details of the petals.
- In educational gardens: This plant can be used in school gardens to teach children about perennial plant growth cycles and the pollinators they attract.
- For theme gardens: Peach-leaved Bellflower can be planted in blue-themed gardens or "cool-colored" gardens to maintain a specific aesthetic.
- In potpourri: The dried flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their color and subtle, natural fragrance.
- As a natural pest repellent: Planting Peach-leaved Bellflower in the garden can sometimes help repel certain types of deer and rabbits due to its mildly toxic foliage.
- As a companion plant: It can be used in companion planting to visually enhance the appearance of neighboring plants, especially those with contrasting foliage or flower colors.
- For seasonal celebrations: The blooms can be used as part of table settings or arrangements for spring and summer events, like weddings or garden parties.
- As edible decoration: While not commonly eaten, the petals of Peach-leaved Bellflower can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts after proper identification and ensuring they are free of pesticides.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Peach-leaved Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Peach-leaved Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude - The peach-leaved bellflower, often symbolic of gratitude, is given as a gesture of thanks.
- Constancy and everlasting love - With its perennial nature, the plant often represents unchanging affection and long-lasting bonds.
- Versatility - As a plant that can thrive in various conditions, it can symbolize adaptability and resilience in different life situations.
- Humility - The bell-shaped flowers that bow down implies modesty and humility in the language of flowers.
WaterFor the Peachleaf Bellflower, it's essential to maintain evenly moist soil, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing water to penetrate the soil to the root zone. In terms of quantity, aim to provide about one gallon of water per week, adjusting for rainfall and evaporation and avoiding waterlogging. During hot or windy weather, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter months when the plant is dormant, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out completely.
LightPeachleaf Bellflower thrives in full sun to partial shade, with a preference for afternoon shade in areas with hot summers. The ideal spot would be one where it receives morning sunlight and protection from the harsh afternoon rays. This balance encourages healthy growth and optimal flowering.
TemperaturePeachleaf Bellflower does well in a range of temperatures and can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. It’s a hardy plant that can handle temperature fluctuations but thrives best when not subjected to extreme heat.
PruningPrune Peachleaf Bellflower to maintain its shape and encourage more blooms. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage continuous flowering. Cut back the foliage to the ground in late fall after the plant has finished flowering and is going into dormancy. This helps promote vigorous growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeach-leaved bellflower thrives in well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-rotted manure, maintaining a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.0. A soil mix of two parts garden soil, one part compost or peat moss, and one part perlite or sand is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingPeach-leaved bellflower typically does not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot once every 3 to 4 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingPeach-leaved bellflower prefers average to slightly above average humidity levels but is quite adaptable and resilient to varying humidity conditions if its soil moisture needs are met.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, well-drained soil, water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cyclePeach-leaved bellflower 'Bennett's Blue' begins its life cycle as a seed that, upon finding a suitable environment in spring, will germinate and sprout. The plant then develops a basal rosette of narrow, lance-shaped foliage, which grows steadily as the plant establishes itself. In its second year, it sends up flowering stalks reaching up to 90 cm tall, adorned with deep blue, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer. After flowering, pollination typically occurs with the help of bees and other insects, leading to the formation of seed capsules containing numerous small seeds. As the growing season ends, the plant will set seed, which can self-sow or be collected for propagation. In preparation for winter, the plant’s foliage dies back, with the roots remaining dormant underground before resuming growth the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Peach-leaved Bellflower 'Bennett's Blue' is by division. The best time to divide this plant is in the spring, just as the new growth is beginning to show. Carefully dig up the entire plant, making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the plant into smaller clumps, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plants well to help establish them. With proper care, these divisions will develop into robust plants that will bloom in the following seasons.
