Dalmatian Bellflowers

Botanists know Dalmatian bellflowers as Campanula portenschlagiana.
The first part of the common name refers to the area of Europe to which the plants are indigenous. Dalmatia is an old name for Croatia (formerly part of Yugoslavia). The second part of the name derives from the shape of the flowers of some species of Campanula (for example, C. medium, commonly known as Canterbury bells).

Dalmatian bellflowers are perennials. Typically listed as herbaceous plants, I find that they essentially function as evergreens even here in zone 5, where they stay green for me all winter. The old leaves begin to brown in spring, just as the new leaves are coming along to replace them. As soon as this new growth appears, I begin removing the browning leaves, just to keep the plant tidy.

These perennials attain a height of only about 6 inches if allowed to spread out over the ground, with a width that can be up to three times that. Leaves are small and toothed.

Flowers are tubular, numerous, and bluish-purple in color.
This long-blooming perennial starts blooming for me in early June, and it continues to produce flowers through September. I grow mine in full sun and find that it looks its best in June, before the summer heat has had time to ravage it; this problem could be alleviated by furnishing it with a bit of shade.

Suited to growing zones 4-7, Dalmatian bellflowers should be planted in full sun to partial shade. Select a site that drains well. Provide plants with adequate water during dry spells, as this is a perennial that enjoys moderately moist soil.


Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your Hair

Campanula is a large genus that includes a plant with which -- while it's no household name -- you may be indirectly familiar thanks to one of the better-known Grimm's Fairy Tales.