Codonopsis ovata

Overview

Codonopsis ovata is a garden plant in the genus Codonopsis, part of the Campanulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.4 m tall. Codonopsis ovata grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7.

About

Codonopsis ovata is a compact, herbaceous member of the Campanulaceae that reaches about 0.4 m and produces its flowers from July to September. It prefers a sunny position and a soil that is sandy or loamy and kept moist but well-drained. The plant is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and corresponds to USDA zones 4–8. Its size makes it suitable for front-of-border planting where summer blooms can be appreciated.

About the genus

Codonopsis is a genus of flowering plant in the family Campanulaceae. As currently recognized, Codonopsis includes two other groups sometimes separated as distinct genera, i.e. Campanumoea and Leptocodon.

Wikipedia contributors, "Codonopsis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Codonopsis

In the garden

Codonopsis ovata is a small, herbaceous species in the Campanulaceae genus Codonopsis, growing to roughly 0.4 m. It blooms through midsummer into early autumn, with flowering from July to September, and is grown for that seasonal display. The plant's compact stature makes it a discreet but valuable component where a low, flowering perennial is wanted. Position it in full sun on sandy or loamy soil that remains moist but drains freely; avoid heavy, waterlogged clay. Incorporate a modest amount of well-rotted organic matter when planting to help retain an even moisture level without impeding drainage. In the UK it carries an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy through winter; the USDA equivalent range is zones 4–8, so it tolerates a wide band of cold temperatures. At about 0.4 m tall it suits the front of a mixed herbaceous border, a gravel or sand garden, or a sunny container sited where soil dries quickly. Give plants a settled, sunny spot with reliably free-draining soil and expect flowering from July to September.