Campanula portenschlagiana
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.
Campanula portenschlagiana | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Asterales |
Family: | Campanulaceae |
Genus: | Campanula |
Species: | C. portenschlagiana |
Binomial name | |
Campanula portenschlagiana | |
Description
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]
Cultivation and uses
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]
References
- "Campanula portenschlagiana". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- "RHS Plant Selector - Campanula portenschlagiana". Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
- Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. p. 224. ISBN 9781845337315.
- "BBC Plant finder - Dalmatian bellflower". Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- "Campanula portenschlagiana". hardiness.zone. Retrieved 15 August 2020.