Peach-leaved Bellflower Campanula persicifolia L. 'Wortham Belle' Blooms
ABOUT
The 'Wortham Belle' is a variety of the peach-leaved bellflower, which is known for its elegant blooms and graceful foliage. The plant bears an abundance of bell-shaped flowers, which are delicate and charming. These blooms typically appear in a soft shade of blue, though they can sometimes be white as well. The flowers are arranged on slender stems and are characterized by their rounded petals, which curve gently back, giving a sense of depth and dimension to the blossoms. The foliage of the 'Wortham Belle' is equally attractive, with leaves that exude a lush green color. The leaves exhibit a lanceolate shape, meaning they are long and pointed, resembling the blade of a lance. The texture of the leaves is smooth, with a slightly glossy finish that can catch the light, providing a subtle sheen. Together, the flowers and foliage create a picture of romantic charm and are often appreciated for their classic beauty and timeless appeal in garden landscapes. The 'Wortham Belle' is a perennial plant, indicating that it comes back year after year, offering a reliable display of its elegant flowers and vibrant green leaves season after season. Its overall appearance is one of poise and tranquility, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of serenity to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae.
Synonyms
Peach-Leaved Bellflower, Fairy Bellflower, Willow Bell.
Common names
Campanula persicifolia L. 'Wortham Belle'
ToxicityTo humans
Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no commonly reported adverse effects from ingesting parts of this plant, and it is not known to cause serious poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual reactions can vary, and it is usually advisable not to eat any plant material without proper identification and knowledge of its edibility.
To pets
Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is also generally considered non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. It should not cause any serious poisoning symptoms if ingested by pets. As with humans, there can be individual variations in reactions, and it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants that are not confirmed to be safe for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a delicate and elegant touch to gardens with its bell-shaped blooms in shades of blue, lavender, or white.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to pollination in the garden ecosystem.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Peach-Leaved Bellflower is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it suitable for novice gardeners.
- Versatility: Suitable for use in borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens, or as under-plantings for larger shrubs and trees.
- Extended Blooming Period: Provides color and interest in the garden with a long flowering season that can extend from late spring to early summer.
- Container Gardening: Can be grown in pots or containers where garden space is limited, such as balconies or patios.
- Cut Flowers: The flowers are long-lasting when cut, making them suitable for bouquets and floral arrangements.
- Wildlife Friendly: It can provide a habitat and food source for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in the garden environment.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Peach-leaved bellflower petals can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting subtle hues to textiles when boiled and processed properly.
- The dried flower stalks of the Peach-leaved bellflower can be incorporated into floral arrangements or craft projects for their structural interest and natural beauty.
- Crushed leaves and stems may sometimes be used as a natural insect repellent in gardens, though their effectiveness can vary and this is not a widely recognized use.
- These bellflowers can be used in educational settings such as schools and nature centers to teach botany and pollination, given their attractiveness to bees and butterflies.
- They serve as excellent photography subjects for nature photographers, providing an aesthetically pleasing element in portraits of insects and garden scenes.
- Peach-leaved bellflowers can be planted in outdoor fairy gardens for a touch of whimsy and color, contributing to a miniature fantasy landscape.
- The blossoms can be used as a delicate natural garnish for salads and desserts, although they should be washed thoroughly and used sparingly due to their mild flavor.
- Leaves of the Peach-leaved bellflower can be used in composting, adding nutrient diversity to the compost mix as they decompose.
- In a classroom setting, parts of the plant can be used for botanical illustrations and art projects to explore plant morphology through drawing or painting.
- The Peach-leaved bellflower can act as a natural indicator plant in gardens, signaling soil conditions and the presence of certain nutrients by its growth patterns and leaf color.
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- Constancy and Perseverance: The Campanula, commonly known as bellflower, often symbolizes constancy and perseverance due to its ability to thrive and bloom in many conditions.
- Gratitude: Bellflowers may convey gratitude, representing thankfulness for a kind deed or to show appreciation to someone.
- Unwavering Love: With its steadfast blooms, the bellflower is sometimes associated with unwavering love and loyalty in relationships.
- Hope: Its star-shaped flowers can symbolize hope, suggesting optimism for the future and the belief that good things are to come.
- Humility: The bellflower's graceful form can evoke humility, representing modesty and the understated grace.
WaterThe Peach-leaved Bellflower should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Typically, this may mean providing the plant with about 1 inch of water every week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. During hot or dry spells, it may require additional water, perhaps twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to minimize leaf wetness and reduce the risk of disease. Adjust your watering schedule throughout the growing season based on rainfall and check the moisture level of the soil regularly, aiming to keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
LightThe Peach-leaved Bellflower thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, they should be placed in a location where they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, though they can tolerate some afternoon shade, particularly in regions with very hot summers. They will bloom most abundantly with adequate sunlight, so choose a spot in the garden that provides a good balance of light throughout the day.
TemperaturePeach-leaved Bellflowers perform well in a wide range of temperatures but prefer a temperate climate. They can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 20°F and can survive maximum temperatures up to 85°F. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 60°F and 75°F. Ensure they are not exposed to extreme cold or heat, as prolonged temperatures outside of their comfort zone can be damaging.
PruningPeach-leaved Bellflowers should be pruned to remove spent blooms and encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadheading, or cutting off the faded flowers, can be done regularly throughout the blooming season. After the first flush of blooms, you can cut the flower stalks back to their base to tidy the plant and promote new growth. Pruning is generally recommended after the main blooming period, which is usually in early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPeach-leaved bellflower 'Wortham Belle' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix of loam, compost, and sand is ideal to enhance nutrient content and drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture.
RepottingPeach-leaved bellflower 'Wortham Belle' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Early spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingPeach-leaved bellflower 'Wortham Belle' prefers moderate humidity levels, but it is fairly adaptable to different conditions provided it is not too dry. Misting is not typically necessary for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to full sun, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe common name of Campanula persicifolia L. 'Wortham Belle' is the Peach-leaved Bellflower 'Wortham Belle'. The life cycle begins with seed germination, occurring in spring when temperatures become conducive to growth. The seedlings grow and establish a rosette of basal leaves in their first year. In the following year, the plant enters a vegetative stage, producing upright stems and larger leaves, eventually reaching its mature form. During early to mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing bell-shaped, blue to violet (sometimes white) flowers that attract pollinators and lead to seed formation. After seed dispersal in late summer to fall, the plant may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, with the cycle recommencing with new seed germination or resumption of growth from the perennial root system the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Campanula persicifolia L. 'Wortham Belle', commonly known as the Peach-leaved Bellflower, is most commonly propagated by division, generally in the spring or fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller clumps, ensuring each has a portion of the root. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plants well to help establish them. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in creating new, healthy plants that will start flowering within the next growing season.
