Overview
Codonopsis lanceolata is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Codonopsis, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Codonopsis lanceolata 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 lanceolata, known as narrow-leaved bonnet bellflower, is a climbing herbaceous perennial within the Campanulaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and produces bell-shaped blooms in spring and summer, often with intricate veining. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade on east, south, or west-facing sheltered aspects, preferring moist but well-drained soils including chalk, loam, and sand with a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suited to cottage and informal gardens, where it can be trained as a climber on walls or structures.
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 lanceolata 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 lanceolata
- 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 lanceolata?
Codonopsis lanceolata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Codonopsis lanceolata need?
Codonopsis lanceolata 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 lanceolata hardy in the UK?
Codonopsis lanceolata 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 lanceolata?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
