Bonnet bellflower is a herbaceous perennial climber in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae) and native to eastern and central Asia. It has brittle slender stems and pale gray-green leaves that are narrow, pointed, and foul smelling when touched. The pale ice- blue flowers appear in summer and are nodding and 1 long by ½ inch wide. Inside they have exquisite markings in golden yellow, blue, purple, and black. The fleshy tuberous roots resent being disturbed. Plants should be sited so that the delicacy and inside markings of the flowers can be appreciated but the leaves can not be touched. They grow best through shrubs.
Type: Herbaceous perennial vine
Bloom: Iceblue, bell-shaped flowers 1” long by ½” wide in summer; exquisite markings inside.
Size: 5’ H
Light: Sun, light shade
Soil: Fertile, humus rich, light, moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 7-9
Care: Pinch shoot tips to encourage bushiness; fertilize once a month during the growing season; cut down to 12” in autumn, to the ground in spring; mulch in autumn
Pests and Diseases: Slugs, snails
Propagation: Division, seed
Companion Plants: Shrubs with dark green leaves such as hollies and camellias
Karen Meyers