Milky Bellflower
campanula lactiflora
Also known as: ["Giant Bellflower","Milkyflower Bellflower"]
Overview
A tall, herbaceous perennial with large, bell-shaped flowers in shades of lavender, blue, or white, native to Asia and Europe.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Genus: | Campanula |
| Botanical Name: | Campanula lactiflora |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining to moderately draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers regularly during blooming season; prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or rejuvenate old plants.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; avoid placing in intense midday sun; provide dappled light in summer heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on weather and growth stage.
Soil
fertile, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate cooler nights down to 50°F (10°C).
Protect from frost; provide shade in extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when the plant is dormant; use a balanced formula for even growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain temperatures around 70°F (21°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–4 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; cut spent flower stalks back to the nearest healthy leaf or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and blooming.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues; allow excess water to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days during active growth; reduce frequency in winter to every 2–3 weeks.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; mix in perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter, such as mulching or moving containers indoors; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, flowers may wilt, and growth can become stunted in prolonged heat above 85°F (29°C).
Solution: Provide shade during peak sun hours, increase watering frequency, and ensure good air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water before fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early fall); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCampanula lactiflora is not considered toxic to cats. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCampanula lactiflora is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCampanula lactiflora is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts reported from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Campanula lactiflora grow?
A: It can grow up to 4–6 feet tall.
Q: Does it require staking?
A: Yes, due to its height, staking is often recommended to prevent flopping.
Q: When does it bloom?
A: It typically blooms from mid-summer to early autumn.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Campanulaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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