Adenophora liliifolia 

'Ladybells'

Campanulaceae: an erect perennial which typically grows 45-60cm. Found in woods and moist meadows. The fragrant flowers are drooping, flaring, bell-shaped, and lilac blue to pale blue, 2cm long, in terminal racemes. Blooming in August. The leaves are toothed, ovate to lance-shaped stem leaves (to 8cm long) are medium green. Native to East Central and far Eastern Europe to Siberia and Manchuria.

USES:

The root can be cooked. It has a sweet flavour, and is a good addition to soups.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C [68°F]. Seeds must be covered thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs.

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.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 

APPROX. 100+ SEEDS