Round-Headed Rampion | Phyteuma Orbiculare

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Also known as the Pride of Sussex, Round-Headed Rampion (Phyteuma orbiculare) is an herbaceous perennial plant that can grow up to 20 inches tall. Its stems produce various shaped leaves, leading to a round-cluster of tiny flowers. The flower heads present blue to violet small tubes that open at the top, sometimes speckled with white dots.

The name of the species, Phyteuma Orbiculare, is derived from the Greek words ‘phyton’ meaning ‘plant’ and ‘euma’ meaning ‘pleasant.’ The alternative, old common name of Wild Balsam comes from the Latin family name of the species, BALSAMINACEAE.

How to Plant and Grow Round-Headed Rampion

Round-Headed Rampion is best grown in full sun location, however, it is also known to perform well in partial sunlight. The soil should be well-draining, humus-rich, and acidic in pH. When watering, it’s important to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. The ideal temperature for Round-Headed Rampion is between 60-70°F (16-20°C). Additionally, this flower needs a bit of humidity to thrive, so it may need additional misting in certain climates.

Careful attention should also be paid to fertilization. Feed the Round-Headed Rampion with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to keep it healthy and strong throughout the growing season. To ensure optimal blooming, it is best to remove the faded flowers to promote re-blooming and keep the plants looking fresh.

Meaning and Symbolism

The Phyteuma Orbiculare, also known as Round-Headed Rampion, has a lot of history and meaning to it. Round-Headed Rampion is native to Germany, and has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty and medicinal properties. This flower was believed to possess protective and healing powers in folklore. In Medieval times, this flower was thought to have special properties that would ward off the devil. People would also carry this flower around as a talisman for protection in battle. In addition, Round-Headed Rampion is a symbol of joy and longevity in several European nations.

History, Mythology, and Religious Significance

Round-Headed Rampion has a long history of being cultivated and used for its beauty and medicinal properties. The plant and its flowers were carried around by many cultures, including the ancient Greeks, Romans, and the Celts. Folklore associated the Round-Headed Rampion with protection and healing, and in the Medieval period, it was believed to have certain properties that would ward off the devil. This flower has even been mentioned in the Bible; In Proverbs 24:14, it talks about “Gathering the Round-Headed Rampion with joy.”

In several European nations, Round-Headed Rampion is symbolically associated with joy and longevity. It has been used for medicinal purposes for treating various illnesses, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics

The Round-Headed Rampion is a member of the Phyteuma genus and is classified as a perennial. This flower is highly variable and can have many different characteristics and distinct features. Some of the more common varieties of Round-Headed Rampion are:

Round-Headed Rampion (Phyteuma orbiculare): This variety is characterized by a short oval cup and a blunt top. The flowers are medium blue to violet in color and speckled with white. The stems can reach up to 20 inches in height.
Linear-Leaved Round-Headed Rampion (Phyteuma spicatum): As the name implies, this variety is characterized by its narrow, linear leaves. The flowerheads are bright blue to violet in color, and the stems reach up to 17 inches in height.
Alpine Round-Headed Rampion (Phyteuma alpinum): This variety is known for its small, star-shaped flowers that are white to light blue in color. This variety of Round-Headed Rampion usually does not reach more than 12 inches in height.

How to Pot and Repot

Round-Headed Rampion is best planted in early spring, when temperatures remain above freezing. Use a container with holes in the bottom to allow drainage. Fill the bottom of the container with gravel or clay pebbles to improve the drainage. Then, place the Round-Headed Rampion in the container, backfilling with soil mix. Water generously after planting, and provide adequate moisture during times of drought.

After a few years, the plant may become pot-bound. In this case, it is best to repot it in the spring. First, gently remove the Round-Headed Rampion from its container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place it in a larger container filled with soil mix, and backfill with soil. Water generously, and provide adequate moisture throughout the summer.

How to Prune

Pruning is an important part of Round-Headed Rampion care, as it helps to keep the plant bushy and promote re-blooming. Pinch off faded flowers to encourage more blooms and side branches, which will help the plant look fuller. Additionally, it is a good idea to cut back the foliage in the fall or early spring to promote new growth in the next season.

How to Propagate

The Round-Headed Rampion is easy to propagate. To propagate from seed, it is best to plant them in the late spring or early summer, when temperatures remain above freezing. Simply sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Place them in direct sunlight and water regularly.

Division is another option for propagating the Round-Headed Rampion. During the spring when the plant is actively growing, carefully dig it up and divide using a sharp spade or knife. Plant the divisions in separate containers, and water generously after planting.

Common Pests and Diseases

Round-Headed Rampion is generally not affected by pests or disease. The most common issue is root rot, which is caused by overwatering or soggy soil. To prevent root rot, make sure to water the plant only when necessary, and not to leave the soil overly wet. If root rot is a problem, carefully dig up the plant and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.

The plant is sometimes prone to aphid infestations, which can cause the leaves to become distorted and yellow. If this occurs, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.

Three Frequently Asked Questions about Phyteuma Orbiculare

Question 1: How do you care for Round-Headed Rampion?

Answer: Round-Headed Rampion should be grown in a location that receives full sun or partial sun, in soil that is well-draining, humus-rich and acidic in pH. When watering, it’s important to keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring to keep it healthy and strong. Be sure to remove the faded flowers to promote re-blooming.

Question 2: When is the best time to plant Round-Headed Rampion?

Answer: The ideal time to plant Round-Headed Rampion is during the early spring, when temperatures remain above freezing.

Question 3: How do you propagate Round-Headed Rampion?

Answer: The Round-Headed Rampion is easy to propagate. To propagate from seed, it is best to plant them in the late spring or early summer. Division is another option for propagating the Round-Headed Rampion. During the spring when the plant is actively growing, carefully dig it up and divide using a sharp spade or knife.

Table Fact Sheet With Data

Flower	Data
Round-Headed Rampion	Phyteuma Orbiculare
Family	Campanulaceae, Balsaminaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	up to 20 inches tall
Sun Exposure	Full Sun or Part Sun
Soil Type	Well-draining, humus-rich, and acidic
Soil pH	6.5 – 7.5
Bloom Time	Late Spring to Early Summer
Flower Color	Blue to Violet
Hardiness Zones	5 – 8
Native Area	Germany