Codonopsis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 20th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Codonopsis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Codonopsis

Plant Characteristics: Codonopsis has twining stems and bell-shaped flowers that can brings a unique charm to gardens. They have delicate blue or greenish blooms and great adaptability to numerous garden settings.
Ideal Growing Conditions: Will thrive in a well-drained soil located in an area with partial to full sunlight. Performs best in temperate climates and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including loamy or sandy ones.
General Care: Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Plants benefit from a light application of fertilizer during the growing season to boost flowering.
Tips for New Gardeners: Bonnet bellflower can be a good choice for beginners as they only require basic gardening skills. Focus on providing consistent moisture and a support for climbing. Be aware that they can spread rapidly under favorable conditions, so consider using a contained area.

Bonnet Bellflower, and Deodeok: Cultivation & Garden Use

Codonopsis plants are a genus of hardy perennial climbers.

They may have either star or bell like flowers of blue, green, or yellow. These come into bloom in the summer.

Another name for a member of the Codonopsis genus is Bonnet bellflower.

Some Latin names include Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen), Codonopsis lanceolata (Deodeok / Lance asiabell), and Codonopsis clematidea (Asian Bell Flower).

Codonopsis lanceolata
Codonopsis lanceolata by Y. K. Tarabagani.

Codonopsis
Codonopsis mollis by Anniesannuals.

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Codonopsis Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Bonnet Bellflower, Deodeok.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial
Height: 100 to 120 inches (250 to 300 cm).
Native: East Asia.
Family: Campanulaceae.
Growing Region: Zones 5 to 8.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Blue, green yellow. Bell-shaped. Five-points.
Foliage: Heart-shaped. Feathery. Variegated. Green. Bronze, White, Grey, Grey-blue.
Sow Outside: Surface. Middle of spring - before the last frost, or towards the end of autumn. Spacing 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
Sow Inside: Germination time: one week to one month. Temperature 60 to 70°F (16 to 21°C). Use peat pots to grow Codonopsis in. Late winter. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Requirements: Full sunlight for best results can grow in partial shaded areas. Good drainage. Acidic soil, dry soil. Provide trellis. Heavy winter mulch. Propagate: by taking cuttings in the spring or autumn. Or dividing in the spring.
Miscellaneous: The roots of Codonopsis lanceolata (Bonnet Bellflower) are used in many Korean foods such as Deodeok Kimchi and Changui.

How to Grow Bonnet Bellflower (Codonopsis)

Seeds of Codonopsis can be planted out either before the last frost of spring or in the autumn. They should be sown on the surface. Ideally locate into a sunny part of the garden that has dry acidic soil.

If growing indoors, then seeds of bonnet bellflower should be sown into peat pots at the end of winter.

They take from one to four weeks to germinate, at a temperature of about 16 to 21 degrees centigrade (61 to 70°F).

Seedlings of Codonopsis should then be planted out after the last frost of spring. Space at about 50 cm apart (20 inches).

Caring for Codonopsis

Once established, the Codonopsis plant should be tied to a trellis.

Common Questions

How many members does the Codonopsis genus have?

The Codonopsis genus comprises about 40 species, known for their bell-shaped flowers and climbing growth habit.

Do members of Codonopsis make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Codonopsis, often known as Bonnet Bellflower, can make an attractive addition to a garden, particularly for their unique, bell-shaped flowers and vining habit.

Which Codonopsis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species is Codonopsis clematidea, favored for its attractive blue-green leaves and bell-shaped flowers.

Are members of the Codonopsis plant genus fragrant?

While not all species are fragrant, some, like Codonopsis clematidea, emit a subtle sweet scent.

What is the perfect location to grow Codonopsis?

Codonopsis prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, making them perfect for woodland gardens or shaded areas.

Is Codonopsis invasive in the USA?

Currently, there are no Codonopsis species listed as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Codonopsis plants from my garden?

To remove Codonopsis, cut back the vines and dig out the roots. Regular monitoring and early removal of new sprouts will aid in control.

Summary

The Codonopsis genus, part of the Campanulaceae family, is native to East Asia. These climbing herbs, often known as bonnet bellflower, are admired for their bell-shaped, usually pale blue or greenish flowers that bloom in summer.

To cultivate Codonopsis, plant them in a sunny to partially shaded location with well-drained, fertile soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring. Regular watering is needed, but they can tolerate short periods of dry conditions. Given their climbing habit, they may need support, making them ideal for trellises or fences.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Codonopsis plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Rampion, Jasione plant, and Platycodon plants.

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