Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' (Bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' 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 'Highcliffe' 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 gardens and naturalizing in open areas..

About

Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' is a perennial bellflower reaching about 0.9 m, valued for its long flowering run from June to September. It forms clumps that may present as mat-forming or more erect stems, with basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves and narrower leaves up the stems. It suits full sun to partial shade and tolerates neutral to alkaline soils, including loam, chalk or sand. The foliage is deciduous or semi-evergreen depending on conditions.

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

A member of the Campanulaceae, Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' is a perennial bellflower producing upright to mat-forming clumps up to roughly 0.9 m. Flowering extends from June to September, carried on stems above basal leaf rosettes. Use the plant where a sustained summer display is wanted and where its bell-shaped blooms can be seen at stem height. Place this Campanula in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soil; it tolerates loam, chalk or sandy ground and is content in soils of modest fertility. Keep soil moist but well drained — avoid waterlogged conditions, while alpine-type drainage is unnecessary for this cultivar. It will grow in exposed or sheltered situations and is winter-hardy in UK terms from H5 to H7 (hardy to fully hardy). It suits mixed borders, cottage garden groups, wildflower meadows and naturalising in open areas, where stems can mingle with grasses and other perennials. Allow room for clump expansion and cut back old flowering stems after the main flush if a tidier habit is required. Expect a succession of bell-shaped flowers from early summer into early autumn on stems approaching 0.9 m tall.

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 'Highcliffe' 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 gardens, naturalizing in open areas.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe'

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 'Highcliffe'?

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 'Highcliffe'?

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

What soil does Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' need?

Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' 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 'Highcliffe'?

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 'Highcliffe' grow?

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

Is Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latiloba 'Highcliffe' 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 'Highcliffe'?

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

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