Campanula takesimana (Korean bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula takesimana 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 0.5 m tall. Campanula takesimana 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 Korea.

About

Campanula takesimana is a perennial bellflower that produces pink to white, flared bell-shaped blooms from June to September. It typically forms clumps or mats and reaches about 0.5 m tall, with basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves. Plants suit full sun to partial shade and prefer moist but well-drained soils of neutral to alkaline reaction. It is hardy in UK gardens (H5–H7) and tolerates exposed or sheltered positions.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula takesimana

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 takesimana is a perennial member of the Campanulaceae, native to Korea, that carries flared bell-shaped flowers in shades from pink to white throughout June to September. Plants form basal rosettes with narrower leaves up the flowering stems and may present as clump-forming, mat-forming or more upright depending on the form selected; mature plants reach around 0.5 m. Give it full sun to partial shade and a soil that is moist but drains freely; it performs on loam, chalk or sand and will tolerate poorer soils so long as water does not sit around the roots. Soil pH should be neutral to alkaline. It suits any aspect apart from deep shade and will grow in exposed or sheltered sites; the hardiness band H5–H7 means it is suitable for most UK gardens, from reasonably protected to fully hardy locations. Use Campanula takesimana at the front of a mixed border, in a rock garden or as a low ground cover where its spreading habit will fill gaps beneath taller perennials. At roughly 0.5 m tall it provides a low summer display of bells without overwhelming nearby plants.

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 takesimana 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: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, rock gardens, ground cover
Native to: Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula takesimana

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 takesimana?

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 takesimana?

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

What soil does Campanula takesimana need?

Campanula takesimana 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 takesimana?

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 takesimana grow?

Campanula takesimana reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Campanula takesimana hardy in the UK?

Campanula takesimana 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 takesimana?

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 →