Bellflower (Campanula takesimana 'Elizabeth')
Campanula takesimana 'Elizabeth' is a low-maintenance Bellflower prized for its pale pink, nodding blooms in midsummer.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’, commonly known as Bellflower, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial known for its elegant drape of soft, pale pink, lantern-like flowers appearing from July through August. This cultivar offers a less aggressive spread than some related species, combining aesthetic beauty with relatively low upkeep. Gardeners appreciate the deep green, glossy foliage that forms neat basal rosettes, providing excellent ground cover when not in bloom.
The semi-evergreen nature of the foliage in warmer zones adds bonus structure to the perennial bed throughout the year. Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ thrives when allowed to naturalize, creating soft drifts of color along borders or through dappled shade. Its robust form and attractive coloration make this Bellflower an essential component for cottage or woodland-edge plantings.
This specimen typically reaches heights between 1.5 and 2 feet, fitting nicely into the middle layer of mixed borders. While tolerant of various conditions, seeking out well-drained soil and avoiding extreme summer heat and humidity will ensure the healthiest display from your Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Campanulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-2 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Pale pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ in the spring or fall, ensuring the site offers average soil that is reliably moist but drains well. While it adjusts to full sun, the best performance, especially in hot climates, is achieved when placed where it receives afternoon shade. Plants require consistent moisture; do not allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, particularly during the peak summer flowering season.
Maintenance for this Bellflower is generally low, requiring little more than occasional division. Clumps benefit from being divided every three to four years during the fall to maintain vigor and manage their spread. Be aware that under optimal conditions, this species can spread quite vigorously through rhizomes and self-seeding, so plan accordingly when naturalizing.
Avoid planting this species where summer nights consistently remain above 70 degrees F, as performance suffers significantly in hot, humid conditions common in the deep South. In zones 8 and 9, the foliage may persist as semi-evergreen, offering year-round presence.
Landscape Uses
The recommended use for Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ is naturalizing, where its graceful habit can soften edges and blend seamlessly into the garden tapestry. It excels when massed or planted in groups, providing wonderful color and contrast against deep greens or finer textures in the landscape. This Bellflower is perfectly suited for cottage gardens, informal perennial borders, and tucked into lightly shaded woodland settings beneath deciduous trees.
Consider using this plant as an underplanting beneath shrubs that provide reliable summer dappling. Its slightly spreading nature means it benefits from placement where its gentle encroachment won’t crowd out less vigorous neighbors. Ensure that any area where you plant Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ has room for its potential rhizomatous spread.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Campanula takesimana, commonly known as Korean bellflower, is an erect rhizomatous perennial that typically grows in a spreading clump to 2-3’ tall. It is native to Korea. Glossy, leathery, heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 4” long) with toothed margins form basal rosettes. Reddish, leafy flower stems rise from each rosette to as much as 3’ tall in late spring, each bearing an inflorescence of tubular-campanulate, pendant, lantern-like, lilac-white flowers (each to 2” long) with maroon interior spotting. Flowers bloom from June to August.Genus name comes from the Latin campana meaning bell in reference to the bell-shaped flowers.Specific epithet is in reference to an islet in the East Sea which is disputed territory currently claimed by both Japan (as Takeshima Islet) and South Korea (as Dokdo). Campanula takesimana grows on this islet as well as some other locations in Korea.‘Elizabeth’ features pale pink flowers on stems rising to 2’ tall
Tolerances
- Deer
Potential Problems
Serious insect or disease issues are rare for this variety of Bellflower. The most common threat comes from common garden pests: snails and slugs. These mollusks find the tender foliage of Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ highly palatable, especially when young. Proactive management, such as applying slug bait early in the season or using copper barriers, can protect new growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bellflower suitable for?
Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ is reliably grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8.
How large does Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ grow?
This plant typically matures to a height between 1.5 and 2 feet tall, spreading to 1 to 1.5 feet wide.
When does Bellflower bloom?
This variety produces its pale pink blooms predominantly from July into August, adding midsummer interest to the garden.
What sun exposure does Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ need?
It performs best with full sun to part shade conditions, though afternoon shade is recommended in hotter summer locations.
Conclusion
Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ offers gardeners a low-maintenance perennial featuring uniquely colored, nodding, pale pink flowers. For reliable performance and attractive texture, this Bellflower excels in naturalized settings throughout its hardiness range. Before planting, verify your location falls within USDA Zones 5-8 and ensure adequate moisture is available for this exquisite Korean bellflower.
Companion Planting
When designing a mixed border around Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’, select companions that share similar medium water and sun preferences. Hostas, especially those with fine or yellow variegation, offer an excellent textural contrast beneath the bell-shaped flowers in partial shade. For sunny spots, pair this Bellflower with other low-profile perennials like Geraniums or Hardy Geraniums, as they appreciate similar soil drainage.
Avoid placing the sprawling types of Bellflower directly adjacent to slow-growing or precious alpine plants, as the rhizomatous growth habit of Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ can potentially overwhelm less vigorous neighbors over time. Massing them near ferns or Astilbes helps create a lush, woodland-edge aesthetic.
Design Ideas for Woodland Edges
The natural affinity of this Bellflower for dappled light makes it a perfect fit for defining the edge of a woodland garden or beneath high-canopy trees. Its 2-foot height allows it to bridge the gap between taller shrubs and the low groundcover layer. Use drifts of Campanula takesimana ‘Elizabeth’ to lead the eye through a shaded path, leveraging its soft pink color to brighten darker corners.
In cottage garden schemes, allow the Bellflower to intermingle naturally with taller flowers like Foxglove or Delphinium, letting shorter foliage plants anchor the front. Because the foliage dies back somewhat later than other summer bloomers, it helps cover the gaps left by early spring bloomers like Daffodils.
