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Cortusa matthioli

Cortusa matthioli

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Alpine bellsPerennialFamily: Primulaceae

Height: 23cmSpread: 10cm
Hardy

Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full shade

Aspect:

East facing, north facing, south facing, west facing

Soil

Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Native to the moist woodlands and mountain meadows of north-eastern Europe, alpine bells, Cortusa matthioli, is a pretty dwarf relative of the primula. It bears clumps of scallop-edged leaves from which delicate stems of purple bell-like flowers appear in early spring.

Alpine bells can be grown from seed: sow in winter or early spring on the surface of moist compost and cover with a very thin layer of sand. Seedlings may take months to appear – if at first they don't germinate, pop the seed tray in the fridge for a few weeks to help break the dormancy. Transplant into individual pots when seedlings are large enough to handle, and then to their final positions after all risk of frost has passed.

For best results grow in moist but well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, in shade. If grown in the right conditions, plants should self-seed readily.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesPlantyes**yesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyesyesyes

Cortusa ‘Matthioli’ and wildlife

Cortusa ‘Matthioli’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Cortusa ‘Matthioli’ poisonous?

Cortusa ‘Matthioli’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People