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

Overview

Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' 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 'Percy Piper' 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 Europe.

About

Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' is a perennial great bellflower that reaches about 0.9 m and flowers from June to September. It forms basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with narrower foliage higher on the stems. Plant in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline loam, chalk or sandy soils that are moist but well drained. Rated H5–H7, it is winter-hardy across most UK gardens.

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 'Percy Piper' is a perennial bellflower native to western Europe that typically reaches about 0.9 m. The plant produces basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with progressively narrower leaves up the flowering stems, and it blooms from June to September, providing a mid- to late-summer presence in the border. Position 'Percy Piper' in full sun to partial shade; it tolerates exposed or sheltered sites and will grow in a range of soils from loam and chalk to sand. Soils should be neutral to alkaline and kept moist but well drained — note that sharper drainage suits alpine relatives, though this cultivar prefers steady moisture without waterlogging. It carries an H5–H7 hardiness rating, meaning it is hardy through the typical UK winter range for perennial garden plants. Use this Campanula in mixed herbaceous borders, cottage-style beds, wildflower meadows or naturalistic plantings where a clump-forming perennial of around 0.9 m is required. Its sustained flowering from June to September makes it useful for extending summer interest and filling mid-border gaps through to early autumn.

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 'Percy Piper' 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 Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper'

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 'Percy Piper'?

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 'Percy Piper'?

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

What soil does Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' need?

Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' 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 'Percy Piper'?

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 'Percy Piper' grow?

Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' reaches a height of 0.9 m.

Is Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' hardy in the UK?

Campanula latiloba 'Percy Piper' 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 'Percy Piper'?

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 →