Roundheaded Rampion
Phyteuma orbiculare

Family: Campanulaceae

What it is like

Phyteuma orbiculare is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Dry grassland and rocky ground.

Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw or cooked. Young leaves - raw or cooked.

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

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in almost any moderately good soil in sun or light shade. Plants are somewhat calcicole. Succeeds in thin meadow grass. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species. According to Flora Europaea it is found in S. Britain, though it is not in the Flora of the British Isles which mentions P. tengrum (synonym P. orbiculare. non L.)

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in late summer, though it can also be sown in the spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. Germination is usually very quick. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring or autumn.

Best place to grow: Meadow; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. comosum.