Codonopsis ussuriensis
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Codonopsis ussuriensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to October, 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): 0.3
Where it is found
Woods in lowland and mountain areas, especially on sandy soils. In more or less wet, sunny meadows at low elevations in Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Root - raw or cooked. Plants produce a stout, globose tuber. The ones we grew were quite thin, but they have a reasonable flavour with a slight sweetness.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a well-drained fertile light soil in full sun or semi shade. Only succeeds in full sun if the soil remains moist during the growing season. Prefers a slightly acid soill. Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c. 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 plant is considered to be a part of C. lanceolata by many botanists. Plants resent root disturbance and should be planted out into their permanent position as soon as possible. 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: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist