A native of southern Europe, Adriatic bellflower is a prostrate evergreen herbaceous perennial and a member of the the Campanulaceae family that also includes ladybells (Adenophera), balloon flower, and Lobelia. It has gray-green toothed leaves that are kidney shaped in the basal rosettes but heart shaped on the flowering stems. Clusters of 1-1 1/2″ star-like blue flowers with white eyes are produced in the leaf axils in spring and persist for 2-3 weeks. Adriatic bellflower is a good choice for rock and wall gardens, and the front of the border but is vigorous and may have to be restrained. the genus name, Campanula, comes from the Late Latin word campana meaning bell and refers to the shape of the flowers. The specific epithet, garganica, comes from the name of Mt. Garganica in Italy where the species was discovered in 1827.
Type: Evergreen herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Clusters of 1-1 1/2″ star-like blue flowers with white eyes produced in the leaf axils in spring
Size: 5-6″ H x 12″ W
Light:Full sun but tolerates some shade especially in hot climates.
Soil:Average, moderately moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 6-8
Care: Restrain growth when necessary.
Pests and Diseases: Snails, slubs
Propagation: Seed, division
Companion Plants:Coral Bells, Lamb’s Ears, Corydalis ochroleuca, fairy foxglove, mountain avens , ramonda, rock cress
Outstanding Selections:
‘Dickson’s Gold (gold-colored foliage)
‘W.H. Paine’ (lilac flowers with white centers)
Karen Meyers