Campanula 'Burghaltii' (bellflower 'Burghaltii') — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula 'Burghaltii' is a clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem foliage. Campanula 'Burghaltii' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5-H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, groundcover, borders and alpine gardens.

About

Campanula 'Burghaltii' is a perennial bellflower that forms clumps or mats and flowers from June to September. Leaves form basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped foliage with smaller, narrower leaves higher on the stems. It suits neutral to alkaline soils and grows in full sun to partial shade. Plants range from deciduous to semi‑evergreen in habit.

About the genus

Campanula is the type genus of the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. Campanula are commonly known as bellflowers and take both their common and scientific names from the bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell".

Wikipedia contributors, "Campanula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula

In the garden

Campanula 'Burghaltii' sits in the Campanulaceae family as a perennial amenable to several garden roles. It typically produces basal rosettes of rounded or heart‑shaped leaves, with the leaves becoming narrower up the flowering stems, and flowers through the UK summer from June to September. Plant in full sun to partial shade in loam, chalk or sandy soils; this cultivar tolerates poor soils provided they are neutral to alkaline and remain moist but well drained. Alpine types within the genus need sharper drainage, so add grit or plant on a raised bed for those situations. Aspect can be any position except deep shade, and it will perform in both sheltered and exposed spots. Hardiness is H5–H7, meaning it is classed from hardy to fully hardy for UK gardens. Use Campanula 'Burghaltii' as a rock garden or alpine centrepiece, a low ground cover between pavers or stones, or at the front of mixed borders where summer flowering is required. The basal rosettes renew each year and supply the flowering stems that carry the crop of summer flowers from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage
Aspect: Any except deep shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5-H7

Plant details

Campanula 'Burghaltii' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, groundcover, borders, alpine gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula 'Burghaltii'

Cultivation: Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.
Pruning: Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are the real problem, particularly on emerging spring growth and on alpine rosettes.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy; rust and powdery mildew appear on crowded or drought-stressed plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Campanula 'Burghaltii'?

Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Campanula 'Burghaltii'?

Campanula 'Burghaltii' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula 'Burghaltii' need?

Campanula 'Burghaltii' grows best in loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage.

How do I prune Campanula 'Burghaltii'?

Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.

Is Campanula 'Burghaltii' hardy in the UK?

Campanula 'Burghaltii' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Campanula 'Burghaltii'?

Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.

More in the Campanula genus

Browse all Campanula →