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

Overview

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' 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 1.0 m tall. Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' 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 and cut flowers. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' is a clump-forming perennial bellflower reaching about 1.0 m, noted for its summer display. It forms basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, with narrower leaves up the flowering stems. Flowering runs from June to September. It suits full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline, moist but well-drained soils.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula persicifolia

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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii' is a perennial in the Campanulaceae, originating from regions of Belgium. It grows as a clump-forming habit to roughly 1.0 m and produces a clear basal leaf rosette with progressively narrower leaves on the stems. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sand-based soils; the plants tolerate poorer soils provided they are moist but well drained. Aim for neutral to alkaline soil pH and avoid prolonged waterlogging; alpine forms of Campanula need much sharper drainage but 'Moerheimii' suits ordinary garden conditions. It is rated H5–H7 in UK terms (hardy to fully hardy) so it will survive typical UK winter conditions in exposed or sheltered sites. Use 'Moerheimii' in mixed borders and cottage-style beds where summer flowering is required, or allow stems to supply material for summer cut flowers. Planting in groups gives a leafy base from the rosettes beneath the upright flowering stems, making it useful as a mid-border filler and for sequences of bloom from June to September. The combination of basal foliage and upright stems makes it straightforward to select stems for vase work while retaining a leafy clump in the border.

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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii' 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: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii'

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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii'?

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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii'?

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' need?

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' 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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii'?

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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii' grow?

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' reaches a height of 1.0 m.

Is Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' hardy in the UK?

Campanula persicifolia 'Moerheimii' 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 persicifolia 'Moerheimii'?

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 →