Quick Guide: spring, hardy, sun, height: 30-90cm/1-3ft, width: 30-38cm/12-15in

The bellflower family includes a great number of attractive species including Campanula medium, the well-loved biennial Canterbury bell, and several exquisite alpine plants. For the border, C. persicifolia, the peach-leaved campanula, is an excellent choice with its impressive height, breathtaking flowers and evergreen foliage. C. Lactiflora (above) bears pale, lavender-bluc, bell-shaped flowers in early, and mid summer.

GROWING Set out young plants in autumn in well-drained fertile soil; chalky soils are tolerated. A sunny site is preferred but light shade will do no great harm. Stake the plants when they reach 15cm/6in high.

PROPAGATION Divide and replant the roots in autumn or spring.

VARIETIES C. persicifolia `Telham Beauty'; deep, rich blue; `Planiflora' (syn. C. nitida), dwarf at 23-30cm/9-12in, blue flowers; `Planiflora Alba' is a white form.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Slugs and snails may damage leaves and shoots. Leaf spot fungus and rust may damage leaves.