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

Overview

Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' 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 'Purple Pixie' 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 'Purple Pixie' is a clump-forming perennial producing tight clusters of bell-shaped, violet-blue to purplish-blue flowers. It forms basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with narrower leaves along the flowering stems. Flowering runs from June to September, with stems reaching about 1.0 m. Plants suit neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soils and take full sun to partial shade.

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 'Purple Pixie' belongs to the Campanulaceae and comes from regions of Belgium (Flemish and Walloon). As a cultivar of the clustered bellflower it carries the species' compact terminal heads of bell-flowers rather than large single bells. Stems rise from basal rosettes and may reach around 1.0 m, making it taller than many low alpine campanulas yet still distinctly clump-forming. Place 'Purple Pixie' in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy sites; the plants tolerate poorer soils but prefer a moist, well-drained root run and neutral to alkaline pH. It is rated H5–H7, meaning garden-hardy through typical UK winters (from hardy to fully hardy). Avoid deep shade and ensure adequate drainage — alpine relatives need much sharper drainage, but this cultivar does well in ordinary border conditions and can take exposed or sheltered positions. Use it towards the middle or rear of a mixed border, in cottage-style beds or among the stones of a rock garden where its clustered flowerheads can be read at eye level. Flowers appear from June to September, when upright stems carry compact clusters of violet-blue blooms that are effective for cutting and for adding structure to perennial groups.

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 'Purple Pixie' 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 'Purple Pixie'

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 'Purple Pixie'?

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 'Purple Pixie'?

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

What soil does Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' need?

Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' 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 'Purple Pixie'?

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 'Purple Pixie' grow?

Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' hardy in the UK?

Campanula glomerata 'Purple Pixie' 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 'Purple Pixie'?

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 →