Overview
Trachelium lanceolatum is a bushy bedding in the genus Trachelium, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Trachelium lanceolatum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds, cut flowers and wall side borders. It is native to Sicilia.
About
Trachelium lanceolatum is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) that flowers from July to September. Native to Sicilia, it is used as bedding, in conservatory or greenhouse displays, and can be grown as an herbaceous perennial or an annual/biennial depending on location. Plants are well-branched with deciduous foliage and favour full sun on moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels. It suits east- or west-facing sites and tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions.
About the genus
Trachelium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae. It includes two species and one natural hybrid native to Macaronesia and the western and central Mediterranean.
Wikipedia contributors, "Trachelium (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Trachelium (plant)
In the garden
Trachelium lanceolatum comes from Sicilia and sits within the Campanulaceae; it is appreciated for its midsummer display, reliably producing flowers from July to September. Gardeners use it as bedding, in container and patio planting, in cottage and informal schemes, along flower borders and wall-side borders, and for summer cut flowers. For cultivation give a sunny position and a soil that is moist but drains freely, such as loam or sand. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline pH, so soil chemistry is not usually a limiting factor. The species is rated H2 (half-hardy), which means it will need frost protection in winter in most parts of the UK — grow under glass for overwintering or treat it as an annual where late frosts occur. East- or west-facing aspects both work well and the plant copes with exposed or sheltered sites. In the city garden or courtyard it performs well in containers and on patios where moisture can be kept even; in larger beds it provides summer stems for cutting. Use it where a summer supply of flowering stems is required, since its July–September season coincides with peak demand for cut blooms.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Trachelium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Trachelium lanceolatum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Cut flowers, Wall side borders
- Native to
- Sicilia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Trachelium lanceolatum
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 16°C in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Trachelium lanceolatum?
Trachelium lanceolatum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Trachelium lanceolatum need?
Trachelium lanceolatum grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Trachelium lanceolatum hardy in the UK?
Trachelium lanceolatum has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Trachelium lanceolatum?
Seed sown at 16°C in spring.
