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

Overview

Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' 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 'Gloaming' 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.

About

Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' is a clump-forming perennial bellflower reaching about 1.5 m. It carries basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with narrower foliage higher on the stems. Flowering runs from June to September, produced on upright stems above the foliage. It suits full sun to partial shade and neutral to alkaline soils.

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 'Gloaming' is a perennial cultivar in the Campanulaceae, grown for its tall, upright flowering stems and substantial basal leaves. The plant produces a clump to roughly 1.5 m and flowers from June to September, making it useful for extending interest through the summer months. Its foliage forms rounded or cordate basal leaves, with narrower, stalkless leaves higher up the stems. Site it where it receives full sun or partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; the cultivar tolerates poorer soils so long as they remain moist but well drained. Soils should trend neutral to alkaline rather than acidic. Aspect may be any location apart from deep shade, and it will tolerate both exposed and sheltered positions. The hardiness range H5–H7 indicates the plant is hardy in most UK gardens, from generally hardy through to fully hardy in the coldest areas. At about 1.5 m tall the cultivar is best placed at the back of a mixed border or the edge of a sunny shrub bed, where its summer flowering stems add vertical structure. Pair with lower perennials that will not overshadow the basal rosette, and allow the stems room to show above surrounding planting so the long flowering period can be enjoyed.

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 'Gloaming' 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

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming'

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 'Gloaming'?

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 'Gloaming'?

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

What soil does Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' need?

Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' 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 'Gloaming'?

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 'Gloaming' grow?

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

Is Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latifolia 'Gloaming' 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 'Gloaming'?

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 →