Campanula persicifolia aka Paper Bellflower

Campanula persicifolia has two common names: peach-leaved bellflower and willow bell. It is a perennial in Campanulaceae, the bellflower family. Its home range covers Europe and parts of western Asia. This includes western Siberia, Turkey, and the North Caucasus. Wild plants grow in open woods and mountain meadows. They also grow on slopes with shrubs. Plants that escaped gardens now grow in northeastern America and eastern Canada.

Plants form clumps with upright stems. These rise from basal rosettes, or leaf rings at ground level. Garden height is about 1.5–3 feet [0.46–0.91 metres]. RHS gives a top height of 3.3 feet [1 metre]. Plants spread about 1.5–1.6 feet [0.46–0.5 metres]. The stiff green stems have slight angles and few leaves. The base leaves are narrow and bright green. They feel like leather and have toothed edges. They grow about 0.33–0.67 feet [0.10–0.20 metres] long. Their shape gives the plant its peach-leaved name. Leaves may stay green through winter if the climate allows. Smaller, narrow leaves grow on the stems.

Loose racemes, or flower clusters, rise above the leaf clumps. They hold broad, bell-shaped blooms that face outward. Flowers come in white, blue, or violet. Each spans about 0.125 feet [0.038 metres]. Plants bloom from June to July, though times vary by region. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. Brown, cone-shaped seed cases follow the flowers. These capsules have clear veins on their walls. The flowers suit cutting. Groups of plants work well in borders and cottage gardens. Woods with light shade also suit this plant. It can spread in areas set aside for natural growth.

Grow it in sun or part shade, with good drainage. Use rich soil with a neutral or alkaline pH. Keep soil moist with a steady supply of water. The plant likes cool summers and struggles in strong heat. Afternoon shade and extra water help in USDA zone 7. Its listed range is USDA zones 3–7. Its UK hardiness rating is H7. Stems may need stakes on exposed sites. Remove spent blooms to help more flowers grow and limit seedlings. Divide clumps every few years. You can also grow new plants from seeds and cuttings.

Serious pest problems are rare. Slugs, snails, and aphids may occur. Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can affect plants too. It spreads by seeds and offsets, or new side shoots. It does not count as invasive. PFAF lists leaves, flowers, and roots as edible. You can eat the leaves raw or cooked. They contain vitamin C. Raw flowers taste sweet. You can eat the roots raw too. PFAF reports no known hazards but lists no medicinal uses.