Campanula rapunculoides (creeping bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula rapunculoides 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 1.2 m tall. Campanula rapunculoides 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 groundcover, naturalizing and borders. It is native to Alps.

About

Campanula rapunculoides is a perennial bellflower in the Campanulaceae that typically forms clumps, mats or upright stems and reaches about 1.2 m. It flowers June to September. Basal rosettes bear rounded or heart-shaped leaves, with narrower leaves higher on the stem and foliage that is deciduous or semi-evergreen. It prefers full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline loam, chalk or sand.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula rapunculoides

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 rapunculoides is a perennial from the Alps that can present as clump-forming, mat-forming or upright growth, reaching roughly 1.2 m. Flowering runs from June to September and the plant produces basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with smaller, narrower leaves up the stem. Plant it where it will get full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soils; loam, chalk or sand are all acceptable and most plants tolerate poorer soils. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions, though forms from alpine ranges demand much sharper drainage. Positioning can be exposed or sheltered since the species sits in the H5–H7 range, meaning it is hardy to fully hardy in UK terms. Use creeping bellflower as a ground cover, for naturalising or at the back of a border where its height can be taken into account. It will grow in any aspect except deep shade, so pick a spot that receives some direct light for reliable flowering. Allow space for its clump- or mat-forming habit and place taller plants behind it where stems approaching 1.2 m will not obscure lower neighbours.

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 rapunculoides 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: 1.2 m
Suggested uses: Groundcover, naturalizing, borders
Native to: Alps

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula rapunculoides

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 rapunculoides?

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 rapunculoides?

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

What soil does Campanula rapunculoides need?

Campanula rapunculoides 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 rapunculoides?

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 rapunculoides grow?

Campanula rapunculoides reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Campanula rapunculoides hardy in the UK?

Campanula rapunculoides 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 rapunculoides?

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 →