Common Name: Fairies Thimbles

General Information

Campanula cochleariifolia is a low-growing, evergreen perennial plant, spreading by means of rhizomes to form a mat of growth up to 15cm tall[].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental in the garden, where it can be used as a ground cover. The leaves and flowers are edible.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central and southern Europe - France and Spain, east to Poland, Slovakia, the Balkans and Bulgaria.

Habitat

Cracks in rocks in mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Campanula cochleariifolia is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating winter temperatures that can fall down to at least -10°c, perhaps lower for short periods[].
A very easily grown plant that succeeds in most situations so long as they are not both hot and dry[]. In nature, the plant is found in poor soils and rock crevices and, in cultivation, when introduced to the richer conditions of the garden, is apt to spread by means of seeds and a creeping rhizome - indeed some gardeners consider it a pest even though it is beautiful and long-flowering[]. It is probably best grown in a poor soil, indeed it grows happily in pure gravel and sand[]. It succeeds on drystone walls where it can become invasive[]. It does especially well on the top of walls where there are cracks for it to root into[]. Prefers a moist but well-drained sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in sun or partial shade[, ].
The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true[].
This species is self-fertile and often self-sows in the garden[, ].
There are several named varieties selected for their ornamental value[]. 'Elizabeth Oliver' has pleasantly flavoured leaves[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant mild flavour[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. Slightly sweet[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Forming a mat of growth, the plant can be used as a ground cover[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy[], larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.