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

Overview

Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' 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 'Hidcote Amethyst' 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..

About

Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' is a perennial bellflower forming clumps up to about 0.9 m. It carries the genus's bell-shaped flowers through June to September above basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline loam, chalk or sandy soils that are moist but well drained.

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 'Hidcote Amethyst' is a perennial in the Campanulaceae grown for its summer bells and clump-forming habit. The plant produces basal rosettes of broader leaves with narrower foliage up the stems and reaches roughly 0.9 m, presenting its bell-shaped flowers from June to September. Place it in full sun to partial shade, avoiding deep shade, where soils are neutral to alkaline; loam, chalk or sand all suit it provided they remain moist but well drained. Many campanulas tolerate poorer soils, so this cultivar will perform where drainage is acceptable; alpine relatives, by contrast, need sharper drainage. It tolerates exposed as well as sheltered sites and sits within UK hardiness bands H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), making it suitable across much of the country. Use Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' in mixed borders, cottage gardens, wildflower meadows or to naturalise open patches. Position it towards the mid- or rear of a border so its flowering spikes can read through lower plants, and allow space for it to form clumps that reach about 0.9 m and flower from June to September.

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 'Hidcote Amethyst' 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.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst'

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 'Hidcote Amethyst'?

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 'Hidcote Amethyst'?

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

What soil does Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' need?

Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' 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 'Hidcote Amethyst'?

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 'Hidcote Amethyst' grow?

Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' reaches a height of 0.9 m.

Is Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' 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 'Hidcote Amethyst'?

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 →