Campanula Ringsabell Mulberry Rose

Campanula Ringsabell Mulberry Rose is a pink-flowered version of the Ringsabell hybrid bellflower series, slightly taller in flowers and faster growing than the blue variety. Its long pendulous bell-shaped flowers open in a dark pinkish-purple then mature to a softer, light pink. They are borne on slender stems above a cushion of dark green leaves that lie close to the ground. This vigorous, but not invasive variety looks stunning when planted en masse in borders or even in pots. It is easy to grow in any loose, moist soil, in full sun or partial shade. Use its flowers to create beautiful country-style bouquets.

Campanula Ringsabell Mullberry Rose belongs to the campanula family. This recent horticultural creation is derived from the species Campanula takesimana, the Korean Bellflower among others, but does not have its invasive character. The selection 'Ringsabell Mulberry Rose' spreads fairly rapidly but in reasonable proportions, forming cushions of leaves that are 15 cm (6in) high and 40 cm (16in) wide. Its quite wide, slightly cordate, toothed and glossy leaves, have a fairly dark green colour. They are gathered in compact basal rosettes that sometimes persist if the winter is mild, and turn red in autumn. From late May to July, thin stems, tinged with purple, covered with small leaves and 50 cm (20in) tall, rise from the basal tuft. They bend slightly under the weight of flowers grouped in dense clusters at their ends. These tubular and bell-shaped flowers are quite long (5 to 6 cm (2in)) compared to the size of the plant. The outside of the corolla has a satin appearance and an intense colour, deep pink, slightly lighter at the edges and becoming lighter as the hours go by.

Campanula Ringsabell Mullberry Rose is a very elegant plant, ideal in borders or along a path, planted en masse. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, outshining foamflowers, hostas, and trilliums, which are not always at their best in summer. It is great in a natural or romantic border, even for a novice gardener. It will be perfect in the company of other pretty and easy-to-grow perennials: perennial geraniums, red valerian (Centranthus ruber), phlox, purple coneflower, fennel, field scabious, queen of the meadow, hemp-nettle, perennial sweet pea, or lady's mantle. It also grows well in pots and its flowers hold up well in bouquets.