Campanula sulphurea (Yellow Bellflower) — Bushy, Mat-forming, Dwarf perennials, Herbaceous species

Overview

Campanula sulphurea is a bushy, mat-forming, dwarf perennials, herbaceous species herbaceous perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Campanula sulphurea grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and ground cover. It is native to Egypt, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine and Sinai.

About

Campanula sulphurea is an herbaceous perennial that produces bell-shaped flowers with pale straw outer petals and sulphur-yellow interiors. It forms a low, mat-forming habit of deciduous foliage. Suited to sunny or partially shaded, sheltered spots, it is valued for its low-growing flower cover. The flowers are most noticeable for their two-tone yellow colouring.

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

A mat-forming herbaceous perennial, Campanula sulphurea is native to Egypt, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine and the Sinai. It carries bell-shaped blooms in pale straw tones with a sulphur-yellow inner surface, creating a subtle two-tone effect. In the UK it flowers from June to September. Give Campanula sulphurea a sheltered situation in full sun or partial shade; a south-, east- or west-facing aspect suits it well. It tolerates a wide range of soils — chalk, clay, loam or sand — provided the soil is moist but well drained and within acid to alkaline pH. Planting into a free-draining border or a prepared bed that retains some moisture without waterlogging will keep the root zone healthy. The species is classed H5–H7, meaning it is hardy to very hardy and will survive most UK winters when not left in exposed, waterlogged ground. Use this dwarf, mat-forming bellflower as a ground cover at the front of borders, in cottage or informal planting schemes, or where a low flowering carpet is wanted to attract pollinators in a wildlife garden. Expect nodding, two-tone yellow bells carried just above the leaves from June to September, making it useful where a low, late-spring to late-summer display is required.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Campanula sulphurea size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
Habit: Bushy, Mat-forming, Dwarf perennials, Herbaceous species
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Ground cover
Native to: Egypt, Lebanon-Syria, Palestine, Sinai

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula sulphurea

Propagation: Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
Pest resistance: Slugs, Snails
Disease resistance: Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spot

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Campanula sulphurea?

Campanula sulphurea prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula sulphurea need?

Campanula sulphurea is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Campanula sulphurea hardy in the UK?

Campanula sulphurea 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 sulphurea?

Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.

More in the Campanula genus

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