Ladybells, Lilyleaf
Adenophora liliifolia

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Mid summer.Form: Upright or erect.

Adenophora liliifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Woods and damp fields.

C. Europe to Siberia

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. Thick and esculent, it has a sweet flavour. Eaten boiled and in soups etc.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Woodland garden. Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent positions when young. This species has been cultivated for its edible root in Japan. The flowers have a sweet but refreshing perfume. This is the only member of the genus with scented flowers. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants. Special Features: Not North American native, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers, Fragrant flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring - very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance..

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-8

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A communis. A. fischeri.