Codonopsis clematidea

Codonopsis clematidea is a curious perennial with trailing bell-shaped flowers, pale blue on the outer corolla and spotted with a golden yellow ring on the inside.

Originating from the Himalayas, Codonopsis clematidea is a plant from the campanulaceae family. Hairy stems emerge from its fleshy crown in spring, carrying pale blue bell-shaped flowers that hang down at 30cm (12in) from the ground. The beauty and originality of the plant lie in the flowers, which are spotted with a few violet-brown rings and a final golden-yellow ring. The blue-green foliage is slightly aromatic and covered with a thin layer of hair.

Codonopsis clematidea is an excellent perennial that does not mind the cold, but does not tolerate strong competition from other plants well. It grows in full sun or partial shade in light, moist but well-draining soil. Plant it in a cool rock garden or in a perennial bed alongside Holcus mollis, botanical tulips, or creeping bellflowers.