91291

Cortusa matthioli

Alpine bells

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does flower in March

Plant does flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does not flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

  • Botanical name: Cortusa matthioli
  • Common name: Alpine bells
  • Family: Primulaceae
  • Plant Type: Perennial
Flower colour:

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

How to grow Cortusa matthioli

  • Plant size

    23cm height

    10cm spread

  • Aspect

    North facing, east facing, south facing, west facing

  • Sun exposure: Dappled shade, full shade
  • Hardiness: Hardy
  • Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist

Plant calendar

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sow
Sow

Do not Sow in January

Do not Sow in February

Do Sow in March

Do not Sow in April

Do not Sow in May

Do not Sow in June

Do not Sow in July

Do not Sow in August

Do not Sow in September

Do not Sow in October

Do not Sow in November

Do not Sow in December

Plant
Plant

Do not Plant in January

Do not Plant in February

Do not Plant in March

Do not Plant in April

Do Plant in May

Do Plant in June

Do not Plant in July

Do not Plant in August

Do not Plant in September

Do not Plant in October

Do not Plant in November

Do not Plant in December

Flowers
Flowers

Plant does not flower in January

Plant does not flower in February

Plant does flower in March

Plant does flower in April

Plant does flower in May

Plant does not flower in June

Plant does not flower in July

Plant does not flower in August

Plant does not flower in September

Plant does not flower in October

Plant does not flower in November

Plant does not flower in December

Divide
Divide

Do not Divide in January

Do not Divide in February

Do not Divide in March

Do not Divide in April

Do not Divide in May

Do not Divide in June

Do not Divide in July

Do not Divide in August

Do Divide in September

Do Divide in October

Do Divide in November

Do not Divide in December

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:

No reported toxicity to Birds

No reported toxicity to Cats

No reported toxicity to Dogs

No reported toxicity to Horses

No reported toxicity to Livestock

No reported toxicity to People