Campanula versicolor (various-coloured bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula versicolor 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 versicolor 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 SE It. to Balkans.

About

Campanula versicolor is a perennial bellflower noted for its varying flower colours and forms that range from mat-forming to upright. Leaves form basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped blades, with narrower foliage higher on the stems. Upright types may reach about 1.2 m. Flowering in the UK occurs from June to September and the flowers are fragrant.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula versicolor

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 member of the Campanulaceae, Campanula versicolor comes from south‑eastern Italy through the Balkans and displays a range of growth habits: clump-forming, mat-forming or upright. It is a perennial with basal rosettes of rounded or cordate leaves and narrower leaves along the flowering stems. Flowering runs from June to September in the UK and the blooms carry a noticeable floral scent. Position it in full sun to partial shade on neutral to alkaline soils; it tolerates loam, chalk or sandy mixes and will grow in fairly poor soils. Keep soil moist but well drained; alpine-leaning forms demand sharp drainage to avoid winter wet. Plants sit well in any aspect apart from deep shade and can be grown in exposed or sheltered sites. In UK terms the species ranges from H5 to H7 — roughly hardy to fully hardy — so once established it will withstand normal winter conditions in most gardens. Choose mat-forming selections for gravel or rock areas and sharply drained alpine pockets, while taller, upright forms suit the middle of a mixed border where they can reach about 1.2 m. Expect seasonal variation in habit and height between cultivars, with the scented flowers extending interest through the summer months.

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 versicolor 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
Native to: SE It. to Balkans
Fragrance: Flower

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula versicolor

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 versicolor?

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 versicolor?

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

What soil does Campanula versicolor need?

Campanula versicolor 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 versicolor?

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 versicolor grow?

Campanula versicolor reaches a height of 1.2 m.

Is Campanula versicolor hardy in the UK?

Campanula versicolor 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 versicolor?

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 →