Campanula latiloba

At a glance

Lifecycle
Perennial (hardy)
Exposure
Full sun
Frost limit
−40 °C

Cultivation

An easily grown plant that succeeds in almost any soil. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. If the plants are cut back by half after the first flush of flowering, they will usually produce a second flush. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value. This species is very closely related to C. persicifolia, differing from that species in having stalkless flowers and stiff rather thick angular stems. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Edible uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[K]. Pleasantly sweet, though individual leaves are quite small. The leaves are available all year round. Flowers - a pleasant taste and texture with a slight sweetness[K].

Material uses

Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way, they form spreading clumps.

Habitat

Not known

Native range

Europe - Siberia.

Same genus