Campanula lactiflora

Campanula lactiflora, the milky bellflower, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Campanula of the family Campanulaceae, native to Turkey and the Caucasus. It is a medium-sized herbaceous perennial growing to 1.2 m (3 ft 11 in), with narrow, toothed leaves 5–12 cm (2–5 in) long. Large conical clusters of open, star-shaped flowers are produced on branching stems in summer. In favourable conditions it will self-seed with variable results. The flowers are usually white or pale blue, but numerous cultivars have been developed for garden use, in a range of colours. The Latin specific epithet lactiflora means "milk-white flowers". The following cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:- 'Alba' (white) 'Favourite' (lilac) 'Loddon Anna' (pale pink) 'Prichard's Variety' (violet blue)

Description

A perennial herb. It grows 12-15 cm high and 60-120 cm wide. The upright stems have leaves along them. The leaves at the base are oval. The leaves on the stem are narrow. The flowers are blue. They have 5 petals. They are open and bell shaped. These occur in heads.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a mild, pleasantly sweet flavour. The flowers are edible raw and make a decorative, tasty addition to salads.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. They are also pickled. The flowers are eaten raw or cooked.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

A temperate plant. It is best in well-composted, well-drained moist soils. It is frost hardy. It is damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Where It Grows

Australia, Britain, Caucasus, Europe, Georgia, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Succeeds in most fertile well-drained soils, though it prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. A very tolerant plant, thriving even when growing in unkempt grassy areas. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Plants tend to be top-heavy and will need supports in windy gardens. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true. The plants are self-fertile. Although usually freely set, it is quite difficult to harvest the seed since it is readily dispersed by the plant as soon as it ripens. The plant often self-sows in the garden and, if potted up whilst small, the seedlings usually transplant fairly well. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe; otherwise surface sow in spring in a cold frame. Germination typically takes 2–4 weeks at 18°C and is generally easy. Because plants resent root disturbance, seedlings should be pricked out into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grown on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. It is generally better to use larger-than-average pots to encourage good root development. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings can be taken in spring — harvest shoots when they are about 10–15cm long with plenty of underground stem, pot individually, and keep in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until rooting well, then plant out in summer. Division in spring or autumn is also very easy; larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller clumps are better potted up in a cold frame until well rooted, then planted out in summer or the following spring. One report notes that the thick, tenacious roots of mature plants can be difficult to divide and that they resent the disturbance.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 300 Campanula species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Kitsdzishl

References (8)

• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 208
• Bussman, R. W., et al, 2021, Unity in diversity—food plants and fungi of Sakartvelo (Republic of Georgia), Caucasus. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2021) 17:72 p 8 (As Gadellia lactiflora)
• Crawford, M., 2012, How to grow Perennial Vegetables. Green Books. p 79
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 320
• Fl. taur.-caucas. 1:153. 1808

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