Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’

Description

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ is a captivating perennial that boasts elegant, bell-shaped flowers in a rich, soft blue hue. This plant is perfect for creating a beautiful display in garden borders or as a focal point in beds. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ thrives and adds long-lasting beauty to your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The ideal time to plant Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ is in spring, once the soil has warmed up. Planting in spring gives the roots time to establish before the flowering season, ensuring a healthy and flourishing plant.
• Autumn: You can also plant Campanula in early autumn, giving the plant a chance to settle into its new home before winter. This method supports a stronger growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Campanula thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day, which encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for the health of Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve its structure and fertility.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’. This allows enough room for the roots to spread and establish.
2. Soil Preparation: Enhance the soil by mixing in well-rotted compost or organic matter. This improves both fertility and drainage, which are vital for the growth of Campanula.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently fill the hole with soil, pressing it down to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. This helps settle the soil and encourages the roots to establish. Make sure the area has proper drainage to avoid standing water.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so always ensure the soil is well-drained.
• Dormant Season: In the dormant season, reduce watering. Only water if the soil becomes very dry. Campanula requires minimal moisture when it’s not actively growing.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser to Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ in early spring to give it a strong start to the growing season. This will support healthy foliage and vibrant blooms.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain strong growth and prolong flowering. Opt for a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser to ensure continued vigour.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant tidy and encourage further blooming. This will also help extend the flowering period of your Campanula.
• Autumn Pruning: After the flowering season ends, cut back the plant to the ground to prepare it for winter. This helps prevent disease and supports healthy growth in the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Mulch around the base of your Campanula in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic materials like bark chips or compost for the best results.
• Winter: Apply a layer of mulch around the plant in winter to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. This will help prevent frost damage and ensure the plant survives through the cold season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ can grow tall, and the stems may require staking, especially if your plant is growing in an exposed location. Use soft garden ties to support the plant, ensuring it doesn’t topple over during wind or heavy rain.

Final Tips

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’ is a beautiful and low-maintenance perennial that adds elegance to any garden. By following this planting and care guide, you can ensure your plant thrives and blooms profusely each year. Whether you’re looking to add colour to a garden border or enhance your floral displays, Campanula will not disappoint with its graceful flowers and sturdy nature.

 

RHS Details

See more Campanula from Proctors