Plant pick: campanula

Published 8:32 pm Tuesday, April 16, 2013

WHAT: A campanula called Birch Hybrid steals the garden stage from midspring through midsummer despite its modest size with its masses of lilac-blue flowers and fresh green foliage.

While people love this easy-to grow perennial, deer and rabbits do not, making this plant a reliable, long-blooming performer for critter-challenged landscapes.

WHY PLANT IT: This campanula has an attractive cottage-garden look when grown in a border or as a ground cover, and it is equally charming tumbling out of rockeries and containers.

WHERE: This evergreen perennial likes full sun to open shade. It prefers a rich moist yet well-drained soil and regular watering during summer months. Gently shear off the old flower stalks and up to one-third of the plant after bloom ends to keep it looking its best throughout the growing season.

SIZE: It grows to 6 inches high with a 2-foot spread.

Seasonal Interest: Mid-spring to mid-summer flowers

This evergreen perennial grows well in full sun to light or open shade. It prefers a rich moist or well-drained soil. Provide regular watering during the summer.

LEARN MORE: www.greatplantpicks.org.