Overview
Codonopsis benthamii is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Codonopsis, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Codonopsis benthamii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and climber and wall shrubs.
About
Codonopsis benthamii is a climbing herbaceous perennial in the Campanulaceae family. It is deciduous and thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, south, or west-facing sheltered aspects. This cultivar grows well in moist but well-drained soils, including chalk, loam, or sand, across a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for cottage and informal gardens, particularly as a climber on walls or shrubs. It produces interest in spring and summer and is propagated by seed sown in containers within a cold frame during autumn.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Codonopsis
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Codonopsis benthamii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Climber Wall Shrub
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Climber and wall shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Codonopsis benthamii
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs and snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Codonopsis benthamii?
Codonopsis benthamii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Codonopsis benthamii need?
Codonopsis benthamii is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Codonopsis benthamii hardy in the UK?
Codonopsis benthamii 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 Codonopsis benthamii?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
