Growing Adenophora confusa (Ladybells): Blue Flowers for Sun or Shade

Growing Adenophora confusa (Ladybells)

Pronunciation: ad-en-off'or-uh

Adenophora belongs to the Campanula family, with about 40 species whose blue flowers resemble Campanulas. The best is A. confusa, or Ladybells, a lovely plant with 36–40 inch stems bearing rows of large, purplish-blue flowers in July and August. An excellent blue with no color clashes. Easy in full sun or partial shade and evenly moist, well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 3-7S/3-10W. Pot-grown.

Culture

Provide good garden soil in a well-drained location with at least 4 hours of sun. Feed lightly in early spring and cut back to ground level after first heavy frost in fall. Space plants 12–18 inches apart.

Problems

Relatively few pest or disease issues. Plants can be slow to establish and resent disturbance once established. Not recommended for desert Southwest. Spreads by seed; deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings (easily dug up in spring).