Campanula pyramidalis (chimney bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula pyramidalis 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 1.5 m tall. Campanula pyramidalis 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 Europe.

About

Campanula pyramidalis is a perennial bellflower that forms tall spires of bell-shaped blue flowers and reaches about 1.5 m. It flowers in the UK from June to September. Leaves form basal rosettes, broader low on the stem and narrower higher up, and plants may be deciduous or semi‑evergreen. It is used in borders, cottage gardens and as a cut flower.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula pyramidalis

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 pyramidalis is a perennial in the Campanulaceae, native to Europe, that produces upright flowering stems to about 1.5 m. It blooms in the UK from June to September, carrying several bell-shaped blooms along its stems. Plants retain basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with narrower foliage nearer the flowers. Place it where it receives full sun to partial shade and avoid deep shade. It adapts to loam, chalk or sandy soils and tolerates poorer soils, favouring a neutral to alkaline pH. Keep the soil moist but well drained; some alpine relatives require much sharper drainage, so avoid waterlogged sites. The species is winter-hardy across much of Britain (H5–H7 — hardy to fully hardy) and will tolerate exposed as well as sheltered positions. Use Chimney Bellflower at the back of mixed borders or in cottage-style beds where its height can provide summer vertical interest. It is also grown for cutting, the upright stems providing a clear, architectural element for summer vase work. Plants produce a strong vertical line that suits taller perennial schemes rather than very low plantings.

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 pyramidalis 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: 1.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, cottage gardens, cut flowers
Native to: Europe

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula pyramidalis

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 pyramidalis?

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 pyramidalis?

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

What soil does Campanula pyramidalis need?

Campanula pyramidalis 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 pyramidalis?

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 pyramidalis grow?

Campanula pyramidalis reaches a height of 1.5 m.

Is Campanula pyramidalis hardy in the UK?

Campanula pyramidalis 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 pyramidalis?

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 →