Campanula rapunculus aka Rampion Bellflower

Campanula rapunculus is known as rampion or rampion bellflower. It belongs to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Its native range covers Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. This includes lands around the Mediterranean and reaches Iran. Wild plants grow in fields, hedgerows, and woodland edges. In Britain, they often grow on gravelly ground.

Rampion is a hairy, upright biennial with a leafy base. It grows leaves first, then flowers in its second year. Flowering stems reach about 2–3 feet (0.61–0.91 metres) tall. Plants can spread to about 2 feet (0.61 metres) wide. The RHS gives a narrower spread of 0.33–1.64 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Lower leaves have stalks and broad, egg-shaped blades. Small teeth line their edges. Upper leaves lack stalks and have narrow, lance-shaped blades. Most have smooth edges. The green leaves fall as the plant becomes dormant.

Loose flower clusters rise above the lower leaves on slender stems. The flowers open in July and August during the second year. Their colour ranges from lilac blue to white. Each bloom forms an open bell or funnel with five lobes. Long calyx lobes surround the base of each flower. These showy blooms suit borders, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows. Plants also fit herb gardens and vegetable beds.

Grow rampion in well-drained soil with regular moisture. It accepts full sun or part shade. Full sun suits places with cool summers. Part shade suits hotter summer climates. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It also lists neutral or alkaline soil conditions. Keep plants clear of excess winter wet. Overwintered plants suit USDA zones 4–8; the RHS rates them H7. Seeds and division provide ways to raise more plants. Rhizomes and self-sown seed can help them spread fast. Cut stems back once flowering ends.

Gardeners often grow rampion as an annual food crop. Its fleshy roots and leaves are edible raw or cooked. The roots have a sweet, nut-like taste. Young spring shoots can be blanched and cooked. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. Slugs, snails, and aphids may attack plants. Powdery mildew and rust may also occur. Missouri Botanical Garden reports no serious pest or disease problems.