Campanula carpatica
| Campanula carpatica | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Campanula carpatica (common name: tussock bellflower)
Propagation: Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. Seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. Very easy from seed[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. 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. Very easy[1], larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Cultivation: Prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in a sunny position though it also tolerates partial shade[2][3][4]. A very easy species to grow, it will tolerate almost any soil or situation though it prefers the fullest amount of sun[1]. Plants grow well on a sunny wall so long as the roots have soil to grow into[5].
Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[3].
A very free-flowering plant, indeed it has one of the longest flowering periods of any species in this genus[6]. If the plant is cut back as the flowers fade, it will usually produce a second flush of flowers later in the season[6].
The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true[1]. This species, however, especially under garden conditions, is more likely to produce hybrids than most other members of the genus[6]. The plants are self-fertile[1].
A very variable species in the wild[6]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[3]. 'Chewton Joy' has pleasantly flavoured leaves[K].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7].
Range: S. E. Europe - Carpathian Mountains.
Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant flavour, they are slightly sweet but a little bit chewy when eaten raw[K].
Flowers - raw or cooked. Slightly sweet, they make a pleasant and decorative addition to salads[K].
Usage: Plants make a good ground cover when planted about 30cm apart each way, forming a spreading clump[4].
Pollinators: Bees, flies, beetles, lepidoptera, self
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Crook, H. Campanulas: Their Cultivation and Classification. Country Life, 1951.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ Grey-Wilson, Christopher and Victoria Matthews. Gardening on Walls. Collins, 1983.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Lewis, Margaret. Campanulas - A Gardener's Guide. B T Batsford, 1998.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.