Great Bellflower Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst'
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as the Hidcote Amethyst bellflower showcases a stunning array of violet-purple flowers. These blooms are bell-shaped, nodding gracefully on the stalks with a charming allure. The petals are broad and fused at the base, flaring open towards their tips to reveal a white center that creates a striking contrast against the deep purple hue. Below the flowers, the foliage presents itself as a lush mound. The leaves are toothed, predominantly heart-shaped, and bear a bright green color that complements the floral display above. This bellflower's eye-catching appearance makes it a favorite among gardeners for adding a splash of color to their gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Great Bellflower, Broad-Leaved Bellflower, Hidcote Amethyst Bellflower
Common names
Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Great Bellflower, generally known as Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst', is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with the ingestion of this plant, as it is not considered a poisonous species. However, it is always advised to exercise caution and prevent the ingestion of any garden plants not meant for consumption, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
The Great Bellflower is not known to be toxic to pets either. As with humans, ingestion of Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' is not expected to cause poisoning symptoms in animals. Nevertheless, it is always best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants, as they could potentially cause digestive upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Amethyst
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: The plant produces beautiful amethyst, bell-shaped flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Pollinator Friendly: It attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst' is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for drought-prone areas.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, allowing it to survive and thrive in cooler climates.
- Long Blooming: It has a long flowering period from early to late summer, providing extended garden interest.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not a preferred choice for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in gardens frequented by these animals.
- Versatile: It can be used in borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or as underplanting for shrubs and roses.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, making it a cost-effective choice for gardeners.
- Improves Soil Quality: Its root system can help prevent erosion and improve the quality of garden soil over time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The tall bellflower can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing shades of blue or purple depending on the mordant used.
- In educational gardens, the tall bellflower serves as an example for students studying plant biology and pollination due to its appeal to bees and butterflies.
- This plant can be used in sensory gardens, as its gentle texture and vibrant color provide visual and tactile interest.
- In urban landscaping, the tall bellflower can be used to soften cityscapes and provide a splash of color in planters or median strips.
- As a companion plant, the tall bellflower can be planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes to enhance garden biodiversity and attract pollinators.
- Photographers and artists may utilize the tall bellflower as a subject for their work, capturing its aesthetic and contributing to plant appreciation.
- Culinary enthusiasts sometimes crystallize the edible flowers to use as an elegant garnish on desserts and pastries.
- The plant can be used in the practice of companion planting to create plant guilds that support soil health and deter pests in an eco-friendly way.
- Some eco-friendly weddings incorporate the tall bellflower in biodegradable confetti or decorative elements for the ceremony.
- In literature and poetry classes, the tall bellflower may serve as inspiration for creative writing exercises, where the plant's characteristics are used metaphorically.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Great Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Great Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude: The bell-shaped flowers of the Campanula, often known as the bellflower or Hidcote Amethyst, can symbolize gratitude, conveying thanks through their delicate and graceful appearance.
- Humility: The way bellflowers gently bow their heads reflects humility, suggesting a sense of modesty and unassuming character.
- Constancy: As a perennial plant that comes back year after year, Campanula represents constancy and the idea of enduring love and faithfulness.
- Everlasting Love: Their long-lasting nature and the round, full shape of their blooms signify enduring and never-ending love, making them an ideal gift for a partner or loved one.
WaterThe Great Bellflower, also commonly known as Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst', prefers consistent moisture, so water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. It's important to avoid waterlogging, thus well-draining soil is crucial. When watering, do so deeply to encourage root growth; this may amount to around 1-2 gallons per plant, ensuring water reaches the root zone. During hotter spells, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist, but not saturated.
LightThe Great Bellflower thrives best in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot would be one where the plant receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense sun in the afternoon, especially in hotter climates. Consistent light conditions help this perennial maintain its vibrant flowering and overall health.
TemperatureThe Great Bellflower is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, with an ideal temperature range being between 60°F and 75°F. This plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for many temperate regions. However, it is best protected from harsh, cold winds that could damage the foliage.
PruningPruning the Great Bellflower encourages robust growth and can help to prevent disease by increasing air circulation around the plant. After the first flush of blooms fades, cut back the flowering stems to prompt a second bloom period. The best time for general pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can be done regularly throughout the blooming season to maintain a neat appearance and encourage further blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Great Bellflower thrives in a well-draining soil mix with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand or perlite will create the ideal conditions, providing good drainage while retaining moisture. Regular garden soil amended with compost and a slow-release balanced fertilizer will support its growth.
RepottingThe Great Bellflower should generally be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish soil nutrients and prevent root crowding. Repotting is best done in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Great Bellflower prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It will thrive in typical garden environments without the need for specific humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and moist, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCampanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst', also known as the Great Bellflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when sown in fertile, well-drained soil and exposed to light, will germinate typically during spring. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a rosette of basal leaves, gradually developing a deep root system and a clump-forming habit as it enters the vegetative stage. During its growth, the plant produces long, upright flowering stems that bear the characteristic bell-shaped, amethyst-purple flowers, usually in mid-to-late summer, thus reaching the flowering stage. Following pollination, often by bees, the flowers produce fruit in the form of a capsule containing numerous small seeds, signifying the reproductive stage of the plant's life cycle. The Great Bellflower is a perennial, which means it dies back to ground level in autumn and enters a period of dormancy over the winter, conserving energy in its root system. In the following spring, the plant re-emerges from the same rootstock, renewing its growth cycle and starting the process anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Campanula latiloba 'Hidcote Amethyst', commonly known as the Great Bellflower, is a popular perennial plant whose propagation is often done by division. The best time for this method is either in the spring as new growth appears, or in the early fall, allowing the plant to establish in cooler temperatures. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the parent plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has both roots and shoots. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, spaced about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them. Over time, these sections will grow into full-sized plants, bearing the signature purple flowers of the 'Hidcote Amethyst' variety.
