Milky Bellflower
Campanula lactiflorafam. Campanulaceae
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Pl. E28A — Campanula lactiflora
Campanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactifloraCampanula lactiflora
IOverview
Overview
Milky Bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula lactiflora, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This attractive species thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil. Standing at about 1 meter tall, it is both ornamental and edible, with its flowers and leaves being the parts used for culinary purposes. Its distinctive feature lies in its milky sap, which can be seen when stems are broken, giving it a unique appearance among bellflowers.
Quick answers
What is Milky Bellflower?
Milky Bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula lactiflora, is a perennial plant native to the mountainous regions of Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This attractive species thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Milky Bellflower thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and can grow up to 1 meter tall. Propagate via division or seed. For best results, keep the soil consistently moist and provide ample sunlight. The plant's edible parts include its flowers and leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Milky Bellflower for the first time
8steps
Start with Milky Bellflower to add a touch of beauty and simplicity to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, a trowel, a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Ensure soil is well-draining and slightly sandy.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, or plant small plants at the same depth they were in their pots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain plant shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The Milky Bellflower's flowers and leaves are edible. They can be consumed raw or cooked in various dishes. The plant is native to regions like Iran, North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey, thriving in light to partial sun with moist soil.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 5 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 5 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 4 native· 5 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (1)Russia
introduced (2)RussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Broader regions
native:Transcaucasus
introduced:British Columbia, New Hampshire, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Campanulaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Campanulaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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