Campanula alliariifolia

Campanula alliarifolia is a quite charming and unusual species. In summer, it produces spikes adorned with long, pendulous white bell-shaped flowers, all leaning towards the ground and clustered on one side of a flexible, purplish, slender stem. This Caucasian species is actually a very robust perennial plant, which develops into a vigorous basal rosette of large, heart-shaped, hairy leaves. It blooms for two months, as long as faded flower stalks are removed. It is perfect in wildflower beds and natural gardens.

Campanula alliarifolia belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus and adjacent regions of Turkey, where it grows among rocks, under the cover of trees, in forests and clearings, in moist soil. This perennial has a taproot and develops a basal rosette composed of thick, heart-shaped leaves measuring 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8in) long, covered in white hairs giving them a greenish-grey tint. In May-June, floral stems rise from this rosette, reaching a height of 60 to 70 cm (28in). They arch upwards and bear narrow bell-shaped flowers, 3 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) long, attached underneath on one side of the floral stem and arranged in a cyme. The base of the flowers is enclosed in a brownish-purple calyx.

The Alliaria-leaved Bellflower thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers partial shade. It will work well in a wildflower bed and add a magical touch to the blooming domes of perennial geraniums, mingling with tall foxgloves. Japanese anemones and autumn asters will take over from its flowering towards the end of summer. It is also perfectly suited for a wild garden, populated with epimediums, bleeding hearts, Solomon's seals, ferns, and garden columbines.