Trailing Bellflower
Cyananthus lobatus
Family: Campanulaceae
What it is like
Cyananthus lobatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Found in the alpine zone at heights of up to 4,200 metres. Open fields at elevations of 3300 - 4700 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Himalayas from Garwhal to Sikkim.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The flowers are used in Tibetan medicine, they are said to have a sweet, astringent and acrid taste with a cooling potency. They are laxative and dry up serous fluids, and are used in the treatment of various serous disorders and constipation. The juice of the root, mixed with a equal quantity of the root juice of Valeriana jatamansii, is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers.
Laxative: Stimulates bowel movements in a fairly gentle manner.
Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Prefers a low-fertility, deep, gritty, cool and humus-rich soil, preferably acid, though most members of the genus will tolerate a little lime. Tolerant of high summer rainfall, thriving in moist soils if these have perfect drainage. Plants are hardy to at least -15°c. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn as soon as it is ripe. Only just cover the seed and place it in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out (this is best done in early to mid summer). Softwood cuttings in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist