Campanula punctata (long-flowered harebell) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula punctata 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 0.4 m tall. Campanula punctata 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, rock gardens and ground cover. It is native to E Asia.

About

Campanula punctata is a perennial bellflower that bears pendent, bell-shaped flowers from June to September. It forms clumps, mats or upright stems up to about 0.4 m, with basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves and smaller leaves on the flowering stems. Suited to neutral to alkaline soils, it favours full sun to partial shade and tolerates exposed or sheltered sites.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula punctata

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 punctata originates from East Asia and belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Plants produce basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves and send up flowering stems that reach roughly 0.4 m. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a sequence of pendent, bell-like blooms through the summer. Give it full sun to partial shade and a neutral to alkaline soil; loam, chalk or sand are all acceptable substrates. Soil should be moist but well drained — note that alpine forms require much sharper drainage. Position it anywhere except deep shade and it will tolerate both exposed and sheltered situations. It is winter-hardy across the UK grading from H5 (hardy) through H7 (fully hardy). Campanula punctata suits front-to-mid borders, rock gardens and as a ground cover where a 0.4 m habit will fill gaps or trail over stonework. Allow clumps room to spread and avoid heavy shade for best flowering performance; taller, upright forms can be used among other herbaceous perennials to provide pendent bells at eye level.

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 punctata 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: 0.4 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: E Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula punctata

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 punctata?

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 punctata?

Campanula punctata prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula punctata need?

Campanula punctata 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 punctata?

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 punctata grow?

Campanula punctata reaches a height of 0.4 m.

Is Campanula punctata hardy in the UK?

Campanula punctata 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 punctata?

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 →