Campanula patula aka Spreading Bellflower

Campanula patula is known as spreading bellflower. It belongs to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Its native range spans Europe and reaches western Siberia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. This plant grows in temperate climates. It can live as a biennial or herbaceous perennial. Its leaves are deciduous, so it does not keep year-round foliage.

The plant grows upright, with a bushy, branched form. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. The RHS description places its height near 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Its spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. It reaches its full size within one or two years. A rosette of rough leaves forms at the base. These leaves are obovate, with broader tips than bases. Narrow leaves grow along the thin, wiry stems. They sit in an alternate pattern rather than opposite pairs.

Small groups of violet-blue flowers grow on the branched stems. Each flower has petals that spread wide apart. This gives the blooms a star-like shape. The flowers contrast with the narrow leaves along the stems. The plant combines a leafy base with branching flower stems. Its upright form adds height without a broad spread. The supplied species evidence gives no precise flowering months. It also gives no details about fruit or seed appearance.

Grow spreading bellflower in full sun or partial shade. It does best in moist soil that drains well. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. It can grow in exposed sites or sheltered places. The RHS also lists every main garden aspect as suitable. Its H5 rating means it tolerates most British winters. That rating covers minimum temperatures of roughly −15 to −10°C. Raise new plants from seed. Routine pruning is not needed.

The RHS suggests this species for cottage and informal gardens. It also suits wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Other suggested sites include banks, slopes, beds and flower borders. These uses allow its loose branching form to show. Slugs and snails may damage the plant. Rust is another possible problem. The supplied evidence does not establish edible uses or toxicity. It therefore provides no basis for treating this plant as food.