Creeping Bellflower, Rampion bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Campanula rapunculoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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 and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1.2
Where it is found
Fields and woods. Naturalised in Britain where it grows in fields and more or less disturbed grassy areas such as railway banks, occasionally in woods, usually near to houses.
Europe, north to 65°N., east to W. Asia and the Caucasus. Introduced in Britain.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Europe, Mediterranean, North America, Tasmania, USA.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Rich in vitamin C. A pleasant mild flavour. Root - raw or cooked. A nut-like flavour, very palatable. The young roots are best. Somewhat sweet, they are a pleasant addition to the salad bowl.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant has been used as a cure for hydrophobia in Russia.
Vitamin C: Plants good for their vitamin C content
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
An easily grown plant succeeding in almost any soil, though it prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. It is slower growing and less spreading when grown in heavier soils. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true. The plants are self-fertile. A beautiful plant, it was at one time cultivated as a culinary plant but has fallen into disuse. The plant produces a mass of thick white roots which can spread at an alarming rate, especially in light soils. It can often fill an entire bed with its tenaceous roots, killing off less vigorous plants. It is best grown in the wild garden where it can be allowed to romp without harm. Plants can also succeed when growing in thin grass. Plants produce seed freely and often self-sow. Slugs are very attracted to this plant, we have had great problems growing it on our Cornish trial grounds because the slugs eat out all the new shoots in spring and can kill even well-established specimens. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. Easy. 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, any part of the root will produce a new plant.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Introduced to North America, where it has become an extremely invasive weed.
Its other names
Local names
Creeping bellflower, rampion bellflower, Denmark: Ensidig klokke. Finland: vuohenkello. Norway: Ugrasklokke. Sweden: Kn'lklocka. Repusica.