Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' (clustered bellflower 'Joan Elliott') — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' 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. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' 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 borders, rock gardens and cottage gardens. It is native to Belgium, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.

About

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' is a perennial bellflower that bears clusters of bell-shaped blooms on upright stems, growing to about 1.0 m. Leaves form basal rosettes with rounded to heart-shaped blades, becoming narrower up the stem. It flowers from June to September. Best in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline loam, chalk or sandy soils that are moist but well drained.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula glomerata

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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott' belongs to the Campanulaceae and traces its wild origins to Belgium's Flemish and Walloon regions. As a perennial it reaches roughly 1.0 m and presents terminal clusters of bell-shaped flowers that give the group its common name. The foliage appears as basal rosettes with broader lower leaves and narrower leaves on the flowering stems. For cultivation give the plant full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils with a neutral to alkaline pH; soils should remain moist but well drained. It tolerates exposed sites as well as more sheltered positions and translates to hardy garden conditions (H5–H7 = hardy to fully hardy in UK terms). Alpine forms within the species require much sharper drainage, so avoid heavy waterlogged ground for those types. Place 'Joan Elliott' where its clustered flower heads can be seen from June to September: a mid-border position at about 1.0 m suits mixed borders, while smaller groups work in cottage or rock gardens provided drainage and pH are suitable. The cultivar's compact flowering spikes are most effective when planted en masse or paired with lower perennials so the clusters sit above surrounding foliage during the summer months.

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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott' 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
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens
Native to: Belgium, Flemish Region, Walloon Region

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott'

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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott'?

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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott'?

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' need?

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' 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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott'?

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.

How big does Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' grow?

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' hardy in the UK?

Campanula glomerata 'Joan Elliott' 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 glomerata 'Joan Elliott'?

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 →