Codonopsis ovata
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Codonopsis ovata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
Rocks and alpine slopes of the eastern Himalayas, usually amongst shrubs, 3000 - 4200 metres.
E. Asia - Himalayas - Pakistan to Kashmir.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - cooked. It can be dried and ground into a powder. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The roots and leaves are used to make a poultice for the treatment of bruises, ulcers and wounds.
Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.
Other
Rating:
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade. Plants only succeed in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season. Prefers a slightly acid soil. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c, but this species is not easy to grow in cultivation. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. This species is not as cold tolerant as most members of the genus, it is best given a good mulch in the winter. The plant resents root disturbance and should be planted out into its permanent position as soon as possible. It is best grown on a high bank in order to give a good view of the flowers. The flowers, when inhaled near to, have the unpleasant odour of fur - likened by some to the smell of ferrets. Plants are very susceptible to the ravages of slugs. The young shoots in spring are particularly at risk, though older growth is also eaten.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in spring to early summer in an ericaceous compost in a greenhouse. Do not allow the compost to dry out. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 6 weeks at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer and protect them from slugs until the plants are well established. Division in spring, with care, since the plant resents root disturbance. We have found it best to take small divisions that are teased out from the sides of the main clump so as to cause the least possible disturbance to the plants and to avoid having to dig up the clump. These small divisions need to be potted up and placed in light shade in a greenhouse until they are rooting well. They can be planted out into their permanent positions in the summer if they are large enough, otherwise in the following spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist