It 'could be' Sh. Something like C. clematidea is fully herbaceous and grows into a shrubby herb. We need the flowers to id it.

Thanks, Bulba - I think I'll have to be patient - and protect it from slimy critters, too!

I don't want you to take risks, Spritz, but we have no problem with slugs and snails o0n our Codonopsis. You may be interested in Paul Kneebone's Codonopsis site:
http://www.kneebone.freeserve.co.uk/

Aren't they beautiful! The problem is that he shows the flowers, and not the new foliage. Unfortunately, I did have one demolished by snails - which is why I put a copper ring round last year's new plant. Maybe Scottish snails have different tastes. lol.

Certainly looks like the new growth of the 2 I have, Cc. bhutanica and foerrestii, though a little greener than either of those. Never had trouble with snails on those though.

This should be C. cardiophylla. Thanks, Ob, that sounds hopeful. I shall put the copper ring back today! 'Our' snails obviously have different likes...why don't they eat hairy bittercress instead?