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

Overview

Campanula latiloba 'Alba' 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 'Alba' 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 naturalizing in open areas.. It is native to Western North America.

About

Campanula latiloba 'Alba' is a perennial bellflower that reaches about 0.9 m and flowers from June to September. It forms clumps and may be mat-forming or more upright depending on the cultivar. Leaves form basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped blades, becoming narrower higher on the stems. It favours neutral to alkaline soils and tolerates a range of exposures from exposed to sheltered sites.

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 'Alba' belongs to the Campanulaceae and originates from western North America. As a perennial it produces a basal rosette of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with stems bearing summer flowers between June and September, making it a summer-flowering presence in the border. Site choice should give full sun to partial shade and soil that is moist but well drained; loam, chalk or sand are all acceptable and most plants tolerate poorer soils. Aim for neutral to alkaline pH; alpine forms within the genus demand much sharper drainage, so avoid waterlogging in cold winters. The listed hardiness H5–H7 means it is suitable for outdoor culture across most UK regions, from milder areas to very cold sites. Use Campanula latiloba 'Alba' in mixed borders, cottage-style plantings or naturalised open areas and meadows where a 0.9 m summer accent is useful. Position away from deep shade so leaves and flowering stems develop fully. Flowers appear through summer and carry the plant above its basal rosette, providing seasonal structure at about 0.9 m high.

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 'Alba' 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, naturalizing in open areas.
Native to: Western North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latiloba 'Alba'

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 'Alba'?

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 'Alba'?

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

What soil does Campanula latiloba 'Alba' need?

Campanula latiloba 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?

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 'Alba' grow?

Campanula latiloba 'Alba' reaches a height of 0.9 m.

Is Campanula latiloba 'Alba' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latiloba 'Alba' 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 'Alba'?

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 →