Overview
Codonopsis tubulosa is a climbing climber wall shrub in the genus Codonopsis, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Codonopsis tubulosa 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 tubulosa is a climbing herbaceous perennial in the Campanulaceae family, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives in full sun or partial shade on east, south, or west-facing aspects, preferring sheltered positions. This cultivar grows well in chalk, loam, or sand soils that are moist but well-drained, with a pH ranging 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 best propagated by sowing seed in containers in 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 tubulosa 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 tubulosa
- 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 tubulosa?
Codonopsis tubulosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Codonopsis tubulosa need?
Codonopsis tubulosa 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 tubulosa hardy in the UK?
Codonopsis tubulosa 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 tubulosa?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
More in the Codonopsis genus
- Codonopsis lanceolatanarrow-leaved bonnet bellflower
- Codonopsis pilosuladang shen
- Codonopsis benthamii