Campanula carpatica turbinata
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Campanula carpatica turbinata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 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
Not known
S. E. Europe - Carpathian Mountains.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant sweet flavour, but the leaves are a bit hairy. Flowers - raw or cooked. Slightly sweet, they make a very pleasant and decorative addition to the salad bowl.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Plants make a good ground cover when planted about 30cm apart each way, forming a spreading clump.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. A very easy species to grow, it will tolerate almost any soil or situation though it prefers the fullest amount of sun. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. This is a smaller growing geographic form of the species. A very free-flowering plant, indeed it has one of the longest flowering periods of any species in this genus. If the plant is cut back as the flowers fade, it will usually produce a second flush of flowers later in the season. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true. This species, however, especially under garden conditions, is more likely to produce hybrids than most other members of the genus. The plants are self-fertile. There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value. 'Wheatley Violet' has somewhat hairy leaves with a pleasant sweetness. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. Seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. Very easy from seed. 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, 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist