Adenophora confusa

We must admit to a fondness for blue flowers. Adenophora confusa, or Ladybells, satisfies this craving with spectacular 3' tall stems packed with nodding, purplish blue blossoms in summer. It’s an easy keeper in full sun or part shade and evenly moist but well-drained soil. (While more drought-tolerant than other species in the genus, it struggles in the arid heat of the desert Southwest.) Ladybells is happy to spread by runners and seed, if given the space.

Adenophora is a member of the Campanula family, with about 40 species whose blue flowers are hard to tell from Campanulas unless you are a botanist. Ladybells is a lovely plant whose 3' tall stems bear rows of large, purplish blue flowers in summer. Plants can be somewhat slow to establish and resent being disturbed after they are established due to their deep roots. Plants spread by seed, so deadhead to prevent unwanted seedlings, which are easily dug up in spring if you find an abundance.

For information on the growing and care of Adenophora, click Growing Guide.

HOW PLANTS ARE SHIPPED

The size of the plants we ship has been selected to reduce the shock of transplanting. For some, this means a large, bareroot crown. Others cannot travel bareroot or transplant best if grown in containers. We ship these perennials and annuals in 1 pint pots, except as noted. We must point out that many perennials will not bloom the first year after planting, but will the following year, amply rewarding your patience. We ship bulbs as dormant, bare bulbs, sometimes with some wood shavings or moss. Shrubs, Roses, vines, and other woody plants may be shipped bareroot or in pots. The size of the pot is noted in the quick facts for each item.

WHEN WE SHIP

We ship our bulbs and plants at the right time for planting in your area, except as noted, with orders dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis by climate zone. We also ship a wide range of containers and planters, tools, supplies, fertilizers, garden wear, garden decor items, as well as indoor decorations like wreaths and dried bouquets when available. Estimated dates for shipping are indicated in the green Shipping Details box for each item. Please supply a street address for delivery. Kindly contact us with two weeks notice, if you'll be away at the expected time of delivery.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee to ship plants that are in prime condition for growing. If your order is damaged or fails to meet your expectations, we will cheerfully replace or refund it. Please contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-503-9624 or email us at [email protected]. Please include your order number or customer number when contacting us.