Greater bellflower (Campanula latifolia, Sp. Pl.: 165 (1753))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 165 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to SW. Siberia, W. Asia to C. Himalaya

Description

Greater bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula latifolia, is a distinguished member of the Campanulaceae family. Recognized for its elegant and tall stature, this perennial herbaceous plant stands out in the botanical world due to its charming bell-shaped flowers, which typically bloom in striking shades of blue or violet.

Native to a broad range of regions, Greater bellflower is found throughout Europe, extending to southwestern Siberia, and can also be seen in parts of western Asia reaching up to the central Himalayas. This extensive geographical spread has contributed to its adaptability and resilient nature, making it a beloved species in both wild and cultivated settings.

The species was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, as documented in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.” Linnaeus’ classification has provided a foundational understanding of this graceful plant, which continues to be a subject of admiration and study among horticulturists and botanists alike.

Greater bellflower thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is commonly found in woodland areas, meadows, and along stream banks where it benefits from partial shade to full sun exposure. Its tall, leafy stems can reach up to a meter in height, adorned with large, ovate leaves that are both broad and lush.

One of the most captivating features of Campanula latifolia is its floriferous nature. The large, nodding, bell-shaped flowers create a picturesque display from June to August, attracting a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. This not only highlights the plant’s ecological importance but also its role in maintaining biodiversity.

In garden settings, Greater bellflower is highly valued for its vertical interest and prolonged blooming period. It works wonderfully in mixed borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas, where its tall, elegant spikes can be appreciated. Moreover, its low maintenance requirements and resistance to many common pests make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking to enhance their landscape with minimal effort.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Greater bellflower has historical significance, often being utilized in traditional garden designs and referenced in various botanical literature. Its continued popularity testifies to its enduring charm and versatility in a wide array of horticultural environments.

In conclusion, Campanula latifolia embodies both aesthetic beauty and ecological vitality, making it a prized species among plant enthusiasts. Its broad distribution, robust nature, and alluring flowers ensure that it remains a steadfast favorite in gardens and natural landscapes around the world.

Common Names

Dan: bredbladet klokke, forårs-vortemælk, kors-vortemælk, riccinus, smalbladet sølvblad
Nld: breed klokje
Deu: breitblättrige glockenblume, breitblättrige wald-glockenblume
Eng: giant bellflower, greater bellflower, great bellflower
Swe: gultörel, korstörel, ricin, smalbladig silverbuske, hässleklocka, ukonkello
Fra: campanule à larges feuilles, campanule à feuilles larges
Nor: finne-kaal, guppel
Nno: storklokke
Nob: storklokke
Fin: ukonkello
Cym: clychau’r cawr, clychlys llydanddail, clychlys mawr, clychlys y cawr, gwddf-iys
En: Greater bellflower, Giant bellflower, Great bellflower
Hy: Զանգակածաղիկ խոշորատերև
Be: Званочак шыракалісты
Bg: Широколистна камбанка
Ca: Campaneta blava
Cs: Zvonek širokolistý
Da: Bredbladet klokke, Forårs-vortemælk, Kors-vortemælk, Riccinus, Smalbladet sølvblad
Nl: Breed klokje
Et: Laialehine kellukas
Fi: Ukonkello
Fr: Campanule à larges feuilles, Campanule à feuilles larges
Ka: Ალოშა
De: Breitblättrige Wald-Glockenblume, Breitblättrige, Breitblättrige Glockenblume, Breite Glockenblume
Hu: Széleslevelű harangvirág
Is: Risaklukka
It: Campanula maggiore
Lt: Plačialapis katilėlis
Ml: കാമ്പനുല ലാറ്റിഫോളിയ
No: Storklokke, Finne-kaal, Guppel
Nb: Storklokke
Nn: Storklokke
Pl: Dzwonek szerokolistny
Ru: Колокольчик широколистный
Es: Širokolistna zvončnica
Sv: Hässleklocka, Gultörel, Korstörel, Ricin, Smalbladig silverbuske, Ukonkello
Tr: Geniş yapraklı çan çiçeği
Cy: Clychlys mawr, Clychau’r Cawr, Clychlys Llydanddail, Clychlys y Cawr, Gwddf-Iys

Synonyms

• Drymocodon latifolium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Trachelioides latifolia ((L.) Opiz)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krym (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Kuril Is. (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Giommi Maurizio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Błażej Nowak (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Goulson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2011 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Madeleine Beaton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Zillah Zillah (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2020 by Daniel Voss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5411408)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140562-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula latifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 6