Campanula rapunculoides aka Creeping Bellflower

Campanula rapunculoides has two common names: creeping bellflower and rover bellflower. It belongs to Campanulaceae, the bellflower family. This perennial lives for more than one year. Its native range runs from Europe into central Asia. It grows in fields, woods, and grassy ground people have disturbed. It now grows wild in Britain and northern North America. It has garden appeal but can become an invasive weed.

Plants grow in clumps, with tall, upright stems. They also creep and spread across the ground. They reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] in gardens. The listed spread is 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Strong rhizomes, or underground stems, help them spread. These let plants last beyond their first clump. Green leaves shaped like lance heads grow along the stems. The leaves fall off when the plant rests. Plants take about two to five years to reach full size.

The bell-shaped flowers range from purple to blue-purple and face outwards. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from June to August. Chicago Botanic Garden also notes blooms in May. Bees pollinate the flowers, moving pollen between them. These include bumblebees and solitary bees, which live alone. Flies with long tongues also visit the flowers. The blooms suit borders and gardens for wildlife. Yet the plant's spread limits its value in these sites. Missouri Botanical Garden says not to plant it, since it spreads so much.

Grow it in rich soil that drains well but holds moisture. It suits neutral to alkaline soil, including chalk, loam, and sand. It grows in full sun or part shade. Some shade helps the blooms keep their colour. Avoid wet soil in winter. Use stakes to hold stems up in exposed sites. RHS rates it H7. Its listed USDA range is zones 3–9. Cut it back after bloom to extend the show. Divide plants in spring or autumn. In spring, you can also take basal cuttings from the base.

Slugs and snails can harm plants. Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot may also occur. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious insect or disease problems. Plants For A Future lists leaves, young shoots, roots, and flowers as edible. You can eat the leaves, shoots, and roots raw or cooked. Young roots taste mild and sweet, with crisp flesh. People once grew the roots as a vegetable in Europe. Hairs on raw leaves can make them feel rough. Plants For A Future reports no known toxicity concerns. But it warns that raw leaves may upset some people's digestion.