Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) Codonopsis lanceolata
Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) (Codonopsis lanceolata) is a deciduous perennial vegetable in the Campanulaceae family, native to Korea, China, Japan and the Russian Far East. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -25 °C (-13 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.

Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -25 °C (-13 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: root (grilled deodeok-gui), young shoots |
| Native to | Korea, China, Japan and the Russian Far East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan |
Is Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Deodeok (bonnet bellflower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Deodeok (bonnet bellflower)
- How far apart should I plant Deodeok (bonnet bellflower)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Deodeok (bonnet bellflower)?
- It tolerates about -25 °C (-13 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) flower?
- From about August for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Deodeok (bonnet bellflower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Deodeok (bonnet bellflower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Korea National Arboretum: Korean plant names and distribution, Korea Forest Service
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- A twining vine with nodding purple-spotted bells; roots are dug after two or more years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
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- Fairy's thimble Campanula cochleariifolia
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Dwarf grassy bells (edraianthus) Edraianthus pumilio
- Dalmatian bellflower (wall bellflower) Campanula portenschlagiana