The Campanula portenschlagiana is a member of the bellflower (Campanulaceae) family and is commonly named wall bellflower or Dalmatian bellflower. This perennial is named Dalmatian bellflower because it is native to the Dalmatian mountains in Croatia. A synonym that is used for Campanula portenschlagiana is Campanula muralis.
The word campanula is derived from the Latin word campanulata which means ‘bell shaped’.
The Campanula portenschlagiana is ideal for rock gardens and in crevices and cracks in a wall and between pavers. It is also perfect as groundcover. It gradually spreads via rhizomes but is not invasive.
Do not confuse the Dalmatian bellflower with the trailing bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana). The trailing bellflower has star shaped flowers (contrary to the bell shaped flowers of the Dalmatian bellflower) and is pretty invasive. The trailing bellflower not only spreads through rhizomes but also through seed.
The Campanula portenschlagiana grows in almost every soil and blooms abundantly. The only thing the Dalmatian bellflower does not like is too much moist in the air or in the ground. Plant it in well-drained and not too moist soil. It tolerates frost and drought and also salt. The leaves may die to the ground in severe winters.
You can easily propagate the Campanula portenschlagiana by digging it up and dividing it. The best time to do this is in early spring (March).
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: evergreen
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower colour: purple
Flowering time: June – August
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -35 ºC (-31 ºF)
Height: 4 inches (10 cm)
Soil: normal/dry