Campanula latifolia aka Great Bellflower

Campanula latifolia belongs to the bellflower family. It is a perennial, so it lives for more than two years. People call it great bellflower or giant bellflower. Its native range runs from Europe to southwestern Siberia. It also grows wild in western Asia and the central Himalaya. The RHS lists Britain and Ireland in its native range. It grows in woods, lush meadows, and hedgerows.

The plant grows in upright clumps and sheds its leaves each year. Garden plants often reach 3–4 feet (0.9–1.22 metres) tall. Some grow to about 5 feet (1.5 metres). The RHS gives a top height of 4.9 feet (1.5 metres). Clumps can reach about 2 feet (0.61 metres) wide. Hairy stems have no branches. They rise from a rosette, a ring of leaves at the base. The green, oval leaves have toothed edges. Lower leaves have stalks and reach about six inches long. Leaves get smaller and narrower up the stem. The top leaves have pointed tips but no stalks.

Large violet-blue flowers hang like bells from the upper stems. They grow next to the upper leaves. They also form loose racemes, flower clusters at the stem tips. Each flower can reach about two and a half inches long. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from June to July. Chicago Botanic Garden gives May to August. Cut back stems when their flowers fade. This may bring more blooms and helps curb unwanted seedlings.

Grow it in rich soil that drains well but stays moist. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. The RHS says acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Missouri Botanical Garden favours neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Give it full sun in cooler climates. In hot summers, give it part shade. Light shade in the afternoon helps where summers are hot. It needs water regularly but little other care. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–8. The RHS gives H7. Divide clumps in spring or early autumn.

Its height suits the back of borders and cottage gardens. It also suits open woods and less formal planting areas. In good conditions, seeds and rhizomes can spread it with force. Rhizomes are stems that grow below ground. Tall stems may need support. Slugs and snails can harm it. Rust and powdery mildew may also occur. Sources report that it resists deer and black walnut. PFAF lists leaves, shoots, flowers, and roots as edible. It says the root report needs more study. It also warns that flowers can cause vomiting. Keep that warning in mind when reading its claim of no known hazards.