Campanula portanschlagiana 3Dalmatian bellflower is a mound-forming herbaceous perennial native to the Dalmatian mountains in Croatia but widely grows in southern Europe. It is evergreen, vigorous, and low-growing so makes an excellent ground cover. The darkgreen leaves are heart- or kidney-shaped and form a dense mat. The five petaled bell-shaped flowers are 3/4″ wide, blue to purple depending one site, and cover the plant when it blooms in late spring. Dalmation bellflower is also known as wall bellflower referring to its common occurance growing on walls. It requires very good drainage and is an excellent choice for a rock garden.

Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial

Bloom: Blue to purple, 3/4″ wide flowers in late spring

Size: 4-9″ H x 20″ W

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Average to lean, moist but very well-drained

Care: Low maintenance

Hardiness: Zones 4-8

Pests and Diseases: Snails, slugs, rust, powdery mildew, leaf spot

Propagation: Seed, basal cuttings in spring, division in spring or autumn

Companion Pants: Geranium x oxonianum ‘Claridge Druce’, Erigeron karvinskianus, coral bells (Heuchera), lamb’s ear, lavender

By Karen