Adenophora stricta Seeds | Ladybell
LATIN NAME: Adenophora stricta
COMMON NAME: Ladybell
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Ladybell (Adenophora stricta) stands out as a handsome, upright, slender, perennial in the bellflower family, native to meadows of the eastern Asia, while it grows in open, sunny places. In bellflower family it is slender, blue-flowered member of the eastern meadows, a cousin of the campanulas that nods its bells in the summer wind. In good conditions it grows to around One metre. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the bellflower family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Ladybell roots appear across papers of traditional plant chemistry of the eastern Asia, where fleshy roots have a long record of use, and work on root constituents has continued without pause. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Ladybell for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In meadow garden, ladybell is tall, blue note of the summer. Its nodding, bell-shaped flowers feed bees and insects for weeks, and slender, upright stems give border a graceful, natural presence that wildflower patch loves. Roots carry long record of traditional use in region, and plant itself asks only for open, sunny ground and moist, well-drained soil. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Ladybells root, Nan Sha Shen, is a classical Chinese yin-nourishing herb for dry coughs and thirsty conditions, often paired with glehnia; the bellflowers themselves are lovely, bee-friendly garden perennials.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Ladybell, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Ladybell repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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