Codonopsis clematidea

Codonopsis clematidea (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 45cm (1.5m when scrambling)

Eventual Spread: 90cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Campanulaceae

Codonopsis clematidea is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a scrambling, climbing habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate to ovate with entire margins, up to 6cm long and 3cm broad. Its solitary pale blue/ white flowers are bell shaped and up to 3cm across. Its roots are fleshy.

Codonopsis clematidea Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Codonopsis clematidea, commonly known as Bonnet Bellflower or Asian Bellflower, is native to the Himalayas region. In its native habitat it grows in mountain forests by rivers and streams.

The etymological root of the binomial name Codonopsis is derived from the Greek kwdwn meaning ‘bell’ and opsis meaning ‘like’, in reference to its flowers. Clematidea is derived from the Greek klematis, a name given to several climbing plants.

The landscape architect may find Codonopsis clematidea useful as a scrambling perennial growing up through shrubby plants for support.

Ecologically, Codonopsis clematidea flowers are attractive to wasps.

Codonopsis clematidea prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.

Codonopsis clematidea requires little maintenance.