Adenophora nikoensis

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

Adenophora nikoensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Alpine regions, in sandy and stony situations in full sun. Rocky slopes and pebbly grasslands of subalpine to alpine regions at elevations of 1500 - 3000 metres.

E. Asia - northern to central Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - cooked. Best if boiled in two lots of water, it then makes excellent eating. Leaves and young shoots - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Prefers a light rich slightly alkaline soil that is not too dry, and a warm sunny position. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance. A polymorphic species. Adenophora nikoensis is sometimes separated into two different species, in which the plant with calyx lobes serrate is named A. nipponica and that with entire ones as A. nikoensis. These two forms, however, are often observed in the same place and cannot really be separated. The young growth is extremely attractive to slugs, they have been known to destroy even mature plants.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. The seed can also be sown in spring. Surface sow 2 - 3 seeds per pot in the spring in order to avoid transplanting. We have found that if transplanted when very small seedlings grow away without difficulty. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 10°c. Plant out into their permanent positions whilst young. Basal cuttings in spring. Division in spring - very difficult because the plant dislikes root disturbance..

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. polymorpha. Ledeb.