Campanula sarmatica (Bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula sarmatica 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. Campanula sarmatica 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. It is native to Eastern Europe and Ukraine.

About

Campanula sarmatica is a perennial bellflower from Eastern Europe and Ukraine, producing basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves with narrower foliage higher on the flowering stems. Habit can be clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on the form. It flowers in the UK from June to September. The species suits full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soils that are moist but well drained.

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 sarmatica belongs to the Campanulaceae and is native to Eastern Europe and Ukraine. Plants form basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, with smaller, narrower leaves up the stem; habits vary across forms from mat-forming to upright clumps. Give it full sun to partial shade in neutral to alkaline soil such as loam, chalk or sand; most will tolerate poorer soils. Aim for a moist but well-drained environment — alpine forms within the group need much sharper drainage. Position may be exposed or sheltered and should avoid deep shade. The hardiness range H5–H7 indicates it is hardy through most of the UK, from fairly exposed coastal areas to colder inland sites (H5 = hardy, H6 = very hardy, H7 = fully hardy). Campanula sarmatica suits locations where its summer flowering can be seen: sunny or part-shaded borders on chalk or loam, gravel beds for the drier types, or the front of mixed borders where the basal rosettes show clearly. It flowers from June to September, with blooms carried above the leaf rosettes and extending the garden's summer display.

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 sarmatica 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
Native to: Eastern Europe, Ukraine

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula sarmatica

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 sarmatica?

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 sarmatica?

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

What soil does Campanula sarmatica need?

Campanula sarmatica 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 sarmatica?

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.

Is Campanula sarmatica hardy in the UK?

Campanula sarmatica 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 sarmatica?

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 →