Campanula alliariifolia
| Campanula alliariifolia | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Early Fall |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Campanula alliariifolia (common name: cornish bellflower)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c[1]. 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[2]. 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[4].
Cultivation: Succeeds in any well-drained fertile soil[5], but prefers a moist well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in full sun, though it also tolerates partial shade[2][3][6]. 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[4]. The plants are self-fertile[4]. This species tends to produce seed abundantly in cultivation and will often self-sow[4][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[5].
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.
Edibility: 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[6].
Usage: Plants can be grown for ground cover when planted about 45cm apart each way, they form spreading clumps[6].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera, self
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Mid Spring-Late Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, R. Growing from Seed Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan, 1989.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Crook, H. Campanulas: Their Cultivation and Classification. Country Life, 1951.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Lewis, Margaret. Campanulas - A Gardener's Guide. B T Batsford, 1998.