Campanula latifolia (giant bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula latifolia 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 1.5 m tall. Campanula latifolia 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, wildflower gardens and naturalizing. It is native to Europe to Kashmir.

About

Campanula latifolia is a clump-forming perennial commonly called giant bellflower, reaching about 1.5 m. It produces basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with narrower leaves higher on the stem. Flowering runs from June to September in the UK, and plants suit full sun to partial shade. It prefers neutral to alkaline soils that are moist but well drained and will tolerate a range of soil types including loam, chalk or sand.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula latifolia

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 latifolia (giant bellflower) is a perennial native from Europe to Kashmir that forms upright clumps or mat-forming patches depending on strain. In the UK it reliably flowers from June to September and typically reaches around 1.5 m, making it one of the taller campanulas for structural height in a mixed border. Plant it in full sun or partial shade on neutral to alkaline soil; it will tolerate loam, chalk or sandy substrates and most poor soils if they remain moist but well drained. Avoid deep shade and ensure good drainage for alpine selections, which need sharper drainage. It is hardy across the usual UK garden zones (H5–H7 — hardy to fully hardy), so little winter protection is normally required. Use giant bellflower towards the middle or rear of herbaceous borders, in naturalised meadows or wildflower plantings where its height can carry flowering stems above lower companions. Its upright presence suits sites that are exposed or sheltered, and it integrates well where a tall, summer-flowering perennial is needed rather than a low ground cover.

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 latifolia 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: 1.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, wildflower gardens, naturalizing
Native to: Europe to Kashmir

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latifolia

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 latifolia?

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 latifolia?

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

What soil does Campanula latifolia need?

Campanula latifolia 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 latifolia?

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 latifolia grow?

Campanula latifolia reaches a height of 1.5 m.

Is Campanula latifolia hardy in the UK?

Campanula latifolia 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 latifolia?

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 →