Campanula latiloba (great bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula latiloba 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 0.9 m tall. Campanula latiloba 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, wildflower meadows and naturalistic plantings.. It is native to Western North America and particularly California and Oregon..

About

Campanula latiloba is a perennial bellflower that typically forms clumps or upright stems and reaches about 0.9 m. Leaves arise in basal rosettes, rounded or heart-shaped at the base and narrowing up the stem, and may be deciduous or semi-evergreen. It flowers from June to September and suits neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade.

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 latiloba is a perennial in the Campanulaceae native to western North America, particularly California and Oregon. It produces clump-forming or upright growth to around 0.9 m, with basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves that become narrower higher on the stems. Choose a site in full sun to partial shade and avoid deep shade; any aspect other than heavy shade is acceptable. Soils from loam to chalk or sand are all suitable, and many Campanula types tolerate poor soils provided they are moist but well drained. Where alpine forms are present in a mixed collection, give those sharp drainage. The species range H5–H7 indicates it is hardy to fully hardy across UK gardens. Use Campanula latiloba towards the middle or rear of borders where its height will not obscure lower plants; it also fits cottage-garden schemes, wildflower meadows and naturalistic plantings. Flowering runs June to September, offering a sustained summer display, and at about 0.9 m its stems are best placed where the blooms can be seen above shorter neighbours.

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 latiloba 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: 0.9 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, naturalistic plantings.
Native to: Western North America, particularly California and Oregon.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latiloba

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 latiloba?

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 latiloba?

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

What soil does Campanula latiloba need?

Campanula latiloba 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 latiloba?

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 latiloba grow?

Campanula latiloba reaches a height of 0.9 m.

Is Campanula latiloba hardy in the UK?

Campanula latiloba 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 latiloba?

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 →