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

Overview

Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' 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 'Brantwood' 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, cottage gardens and naturalizing. It is native to Europe.

About

Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' is a tall, clump-forming perennial in the Campanulaceae that grows to about 1.5 m. It bears its flowers from June to September on upright stems. Leaves form basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped blades, becoming narrower higher on the stem, and are deciduous or semi-evergreen. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils such as 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 'Brantwood' is a long-stemmed perennial from Europe in the bellflower family that reaches roughly 1.5 m and flowers from June to September. As a clump-forming Campanula it produces basal rosettes of broader leaves with narrower foliage up the stem, offering architectural height through the summer months. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; most plants tolerate poorer soils provided they remain moist but well drained. Aim for neutral to alkaline soil conditions and avoid deep shade. It is rated H5–H7 for UK hardiness, meaning it is hardy through most UK winters and will persist in exposed as well as sheltered sites. Use 'Brantwood' where a tall summer display is needed: at the rear of a mixed herbaceous border, in cottage-garden schemes or for naturalising in a semi-wild area. Its ability to reach 1.5 m and to flower across the summer makes it a practical choice for providing vertical structure and late-summer interest in borders and informal plantings.

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 'Brantwood' 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, cottage gardens, naturalizing
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood'

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 'Brantwood'?

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 'Brantwood'?

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

What soil does Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' need?

Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' 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 'Brantwood'?

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 'Brantwood' grow?

Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' reaches a height of 1.5 m.

Is Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latifolia 'Brantwood' 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 'Brantwood'?

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 →