National Council for The Conservation of Plants and Gardens
National Collection of the Genus Codonopsis and Allied Genera
Codonopsis cardiophylla ssp cardiophylla
Superficially similar to C.obtusa but always flowers later, usually mid to late June, is quite vigorous reaching 4' and stronger blue flowers lined with pale purple on the outside and stained deep purple inside with a deep green and white base. The leaves have pale edges. We grow our plant on an East facing trellis in quite poor but well drained soil.
The seeds are large and brown and the carrot shaped tuber is surrounded by a tangle of fleshy roots. It will need a very large pot if not in the ground.
Hubeh, China
©Mike Ireland
©Mike Ireland