Campanula portenschlagiana

Dalmatian Bellflower
Campanulaceae (Lobeliaceae)
Ground covers, Perennials, Flowers

CAMPANULA

Vast and varied group (about 300 species) encompassing trailers, creeping or tufted miniature perennials, and erect kinds 1 to 6 ft. high or taller. Usually, flower stalks rise above basal leaf rosettes; basal leaves often differ from stem leaves. The perennial species tend to spread indefinitely from the root; width depends mainly on vigor of their rootstocks and time they have been in one spot. Flowers are generally bell shaped, though some are star shaped, cupped, or round and flat. Bloom comes at some time from spring to fall, depending on species. Most species are grown fairly easily from seeds sown in spring or early summer.

Campanula portenschlagiana

Low, leafy, mounding or trailing mats 4–6 in. high. Semierect, branching flower stems to 8 in. high. Tiny leaves are roundish, heart-shaped, deep green with deeply toothed, slightly wavy edges. Flowers are shaped like flaring bells, violet blue or grayish white, to 1 in. long; several to each stem. Blooms late spring into summer, sometimes  again in fall.

Fine plant for edging or as small-scale ground cover. Spreads moderately fast and is sturdy, permanent, and noninvasive. Easily increased by dividing.