Scopolia carniolica
henbane bell, European scopolia
A clump-forming perennial to around 60cm high, with creeping rhizomes and glossy, veined and wrinkled green leaves. Solitary, bell-shaped flowers, reddish purple or reddish brown on the outside and pale yellow-green inside, are produced from the leaf axils in mid to late spring; plants die back after flowering and are dormant in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red Purple Brown Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Scopolia are creeping perennials with boldly-veined leaves. They die back after producing solitary, pendent, bell-shaped flowers in spring
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in humus-rich, moist but well-drained, neutral or slightly alkaline soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring, or by seed sown in a cold frame in autumn, or in situ in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.
