Plant Pick

Campanula lactiflora

'Pritchard's Variety'

At first glance, tall and stately Campanula lactiflora 'Pritchard's Variety' could be mistaken for a summer phlox. Its mass of medium, violet-blue flowers appear in mid- to late summer atop stems that can reach up to 5 feet. A perennial that tall is a staking alert for gardeners, and 'Pritchard's Variety' will need support, especially if planted in even a tiny bit of shade and/or in rich, humusy soil. In other words, be a little mean and lean, and it will stand better on its own. You also can provide some natural staking in the form of nearby sturdy shrubs. This blue bellflower stands out well against an evergreen hedge. Campanula lactiflora 'Pritchard's Variety' is a 2008 Great Plant Pick (greatplantpicks.org).

-- Marty Wingate