Overview
Codonopsis pilosula is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Codonopsis, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Codonopsis pilosula 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 pilosula, also known as Dangshen (Chinese: 党参; pinyin: Dǎngshēn), is a perennial species of flowering plant in the bellflower family. It is native to Asia, where it grows in forests, meadows, and scrub. The polysaccharide fraction of this species has been reported to exert immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects (Chu et al., 2016). The best inhibitory activity was recorded towards A 549 cells, but no reference drugs have been used. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and climber and wall shrubs. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Codonopsis pilosula
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
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 pilosula 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 pilosula
- 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 pilosula?
Codonopsis pilosula prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Codonopsis pilosula need?
Codonopsis pilosula 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 pilosula hardy in the UK?
Codonopsis pilosula 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 pilosula?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
More in the Codonopsis genus
- Codonopsis clematidea
- Codonopsis convolvulacea
- Codonopsis ovata
- Codonopsis vinciflora
- Codonopsis cardiophylla
- Codonopsis mollis