Practical
Plants

Campanula alliariifolia

Cornish Bellflower

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
deciduous
Growth rate
moderate
Height
0.7 m
Spread
0.5 m
Fertility
self fertile
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self

Uses

Edible uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[K]. The leaves are rather hairy and, especially as they age, have a slightly unpleasant bitterness. They are acceptable as a minor ingredient in mixed salads, but are generally less than pleasant to eat on their own[K]. Flowers - a pleasant taste and texture with a slight sweetness[4].

Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves

Material uses

Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way, they form spreading clumps[4].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
E. Europe to W. Asia. Naturalized in Britain, in Cornwall.
Habitat
Open scrub and conifer forests, occasionally on cliffs but frequently on steep banks[7]. Naturalized on banks and rough ground, especially by railways, in southern England.
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Basal cuttings in spring[1]. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn[3]. The plant has a thick fleshy root with a number of crowns. Whilst this can be divided if great care is taken not to damage the root, it is not really recommended because the divisions take a long time to become established[5].

Cultivation

Succeeds in any well-drained fertile soil[6], but prefers a moist well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in full sun, though it also tolerates partial shade[1][3][4]. When grown in exposed and windy positions, plants tend to grow better when in a poor soil[7]. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[3]. If the plant is cut back as the flowers fade, it will usually produce a second flush of flowers later in the season[7]. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true[5]. The plants are self-fertile[5]. This species tends to produce seed abundantly in cultivation and will often self-sow[5][7]. Plants can be naturalized in the light dappled shade of a woodland[3]. There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[3]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. 1989-00-00

    ↩

  3. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  4. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Crook. H. Clifford. Campanulas - their cultivation and classification. Country Life 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  6. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  7. Lewis. P. & Lynch. M. Campanulas - A Gardener's Guide. B. T. Batsford. London. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-7134-8266-4

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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