Campanula portenschlagiana, the wall bellflower,[2] is a species of flowering plant in the family Campanulaceae, native to the Dalmatian Mountains in Croatia. It is a vigorous, low-growing, mound-forming evergreen perennial with deep purple flowers in summer.[3] Other common names include Dalmatian bellflower, Adria bellflower and Campanula muralis.
The plant forms a mat of foliage about 10 cm (4 in) high and 50 cm (20 in) or more wide, with many heart- or kidney-shaped leaves. Deep purple or blue, funnel-shaped, 5-petalled flowers, 2 cm long, are borne in profusion, completely covering the plant from mid- to late summer.[3]
Flowers may be pollinated by beetles, flies, bees and butterflies, but are also capable of self-pollinating.
The Latin specific epithet portenschlagiana commemorates the Austrian naturalist Franz von Portenschlag-Leydermayer (1772–1822).[4]
Campanula portenschlagiana is an alpine plant requiring sharp drainage, so is suitable for an alpine garden, rock garden, or as groundcover, in sun or partial shade.[5] Given suitable conditions, it will rapidly colonise cracks and crevices in walls and pavements. It is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 3.[6]
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2]
Media related to Campanula portenschlagiana at Wikimedia Commons
Campanula portenschlagiana, the wall bellflower, is a species of flowering plant in the family Campanulaceae, native to the Dalmatian Mountains in Croatia. It is a vigorous, low-growing, mound-forming evergreen perennial with deep purple flowers in summer. Other common names include Dalmatian bellflower, Adria bellflower and Campanula muralis.
