SafePlants

Peachleaf Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia)

Peachleaf Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is a popular perennial known for its tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers. It has been grown for centuries in cottage gardens and remains a favorite today.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces sap.

Common Names

• Peachleaf Bellflower
• Peach-leaf Bellflower
• Peachleaf Bellflower
• Willow Bellflower
• Paper Bellflower
• Fairy Bellflower
• Fairy Bells
• Harebell

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Campanula persicifolia L.
• Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
• Synonym: C. crystalocalyx

Distribution and Habitat

• The plant is found in various locations including Wilmette, Chicago, Evanston, Glenview, Skokie, Winnetka (Illinois, USA), St Paul, Minneapolis, Inver Grove, Eagan, Woodbury (Minnesota, USA), Rochester (New York, USA), Portland, Brunswick, Falmouth, Cumberland, Biddeford (Maine, USA), Winnipeg, Headingley, Oak Bluff (Manitoba, Canada), St. Charles, Campton, Geneva, Elgin, Chicago, Batavia (Illinois, USA), Regina (Saskatchewan, Canada), Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Lakewood (Colorado, USA), St Thomas, Port Stanley, London, Woodstock, Aylmer (Ontario, Canada), Columbus, Dublin, Delaware, Grove City, Gahanna, Bexley (Ohio, USA), Long Island, Westbury, Nassau County, Jericho, Mineola (New York, USA), Lancaster, York, Harrisburg (Pennsylvania, USA), Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville (Arkansas, USA), Cary, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Barrington, Zurich, Fox (Illinois, USA) and Hradi&#353&#357any (Czech Republic).
• Habitats include commons and potentially gardens, given its frequent mention in a gardening context.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is a herbaceous perennial.
• It starts with clumping basal rosettes.
• The plant has tall spikes reaching 15 to 30 inches in height.
• Flowers are broadly bell-shaped, 1 to 1 ½ inches in size, and come in shades of white and light blue.
• Some varieties, like 'Takion Blue,' have a more compact stature, reaching about half the size of the species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The flowers attract hummingbirds.
• It is often planted with peonies and irises.

Cultivation

• It is best planted in groupings of three or more.
• Deadheading (removing faded flowers) can prolong flowering, but it is tedious.
• USDA Hardiness Zones 2-7.

Quirky Facts

• The 'Takion Blue' variety is self-branching and carries many flowers.