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Herbaceous Perennial

Campanula versicolor
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

various-coloured bellflower

A variable herbaceous perennial which may be upright or trailing. Leafy stems develop from a basal rosette, topped from late summer with large sprays of star-shaped, clove-scented, pale purple-blue flowers with darker edges and a very dark eye

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Campanula may be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with bell or star-shaped, often blue, flowers in late spring or summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
SE It. to Balkans

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back after flowering to prevent seeding and to encourage a second flush of flower

Pests

Vulnerable to slugs and snails

Diseases

Powdery mildews and rust diseases may be problematic

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