Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) Physoplexis comosa
Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) (Physoplexis comosa) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family, native to Limestone and dolomite crevices of the southern Alps (Italy, Austria, Slovenia). It grows 5–12 cm (2–5 in) tall and 10–15 cm (4–6 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 10 cm (4 in) apart.
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Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Mature height | 5–12 cm (2–5 in) |
| Mature spread | 10–15 cm (4–6 in) |
| Spacing | 10 cm (4 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 7–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 26 °C (79 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Limestone and dolomite crevices of the southern Alps (Italy, Austria, Slovenia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
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 Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion)
- How far apart should I plant Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion)?
- About 10 cm (4 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–15 cm (4–6 in).
- Does Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion)?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) flower?
- From about June for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion) 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. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Devil’s claw (tufted horned rampion). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Alpine Garden Society Encyclopaedia of Alpines and plant portraits, Alpine Garden Society, Pershore (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- Heads of strange, bottle-shaped lilac flowers tipped with near-black, curved points like claws, growing from vertical limestone cracks in the Dolomites. Protected; grow it in a tufa block, safe from slugs.
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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- Edging lobelia Lobelia erinus
- Balloon flower Platycodon grandiflorus
- Fairy's thimble Campanula cochleariifolia
- Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) Codonopsis lanceolata
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Dwarf grassy bells (edraianthus) Edraianthus pumilio