Bellflower Milky-flowered

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Milk-flowered bell (lat. Campanula lactiflora) - a herbaceous perennial plant of the genus Bell (lat. Campanula), belonging to the family of the same name Bellflower (lat. Campanulaceae). The name of the species speaks for itself, attuning to the flowering of milky-white fragrant bells against the background of green leaves of the plant, which lasts the entire summer period. This species stands out among its genus counterparts for the longest lifespan in one place, saving the grower's energy and time for planting or transplanting a plant.

What's in your name

The specific epithet in Russian, "lactic-flowered", is a simple translation of the Latin epithet, "lactiflora", without forcing you to additionally rummage through the literature in search of the semantic load of the word, which is immediately understandable.

Since this species was described at different times by different botanists, a long train of synonymous names stretches behind it, which may introduce some confusion between growers.

One of the botanists who described this species is Fedor (Friedrich) Bieberstein (1768 - 1826), a German botanist who served in Russia for a long time and participated in botanical expeditions across the Crimea and the Caucasus.

Description

The perennial of the Bellflower is supported by a taproot that penetrates deeply into the soil, which allows the plant to survive perfectly even in dense clay soils. But, at the same time, such a root does not allow successfully replanting a plant to a new place, and therefore it can successfully live at its place of birth for up to 20 (twenty) years.

The powerful root gives life to the powerful above-ground parts of the plant, the height of the branchy bushes varies from half a meter to one and a half meters.

Erect branching stems are covered with narrow dark green leaves with a double-toothed margin. The leaves, located at the bottom of the stem, have short petioles. Above the stem, the petioles disappear, turning the leaves into sessile ones.

In summer, the branchy dark green bush is covered with paniculate inflorescences formed by numerous open star-shaped bell-shaped flowers of white or pale blue color, exuding a delicate pleasant aroma. Breeders have bred many varieties, the palette of flower petals in which is much richer than the natural one. For example, Loddon Anna has pink or pale purple flower petals, while Prichard's Variety has lavender blue to purple petals. To extend the flowering period, wilted flowers are removed, stimulating the appearance of new ones.

Cultivation and reproduction

The spectacular, long-lived plant has been used by growers for cultivation in man-made flower beds since the beginning of the 19th century. The beauty of the milk-flowered bell is combined with the unpretentiousness and cold resistance of the plant, which also contributes to its popularity among summer residents.

Grows best in full sun or partial shade, in moist but not damp soil.

It goes well with all types of roses. Suitable for arranging living borders of garden paths. Perfect companion for mixed plantings in flower containers.

Reproduction is carried out by sowing seeds immediately to a permanent place, since the plant does not tolerate transplanting well, having a taproot.

In the fall, the aerial part is cut off, freeing up space for new spring shoots. Some of these shoots can be used for propagation of the Milky-flowered Bellflower, separating the stalk together with the root heel.

Enemies of the plant

The Milk-flowered Bell has many enemies in nature. These are voracious aphids, spider mites, snails and slugs. With excessive dampness, fungal diseases can attack: spotted rust, white powdery mold and others.