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Browse Trees and Plants

Serbian bellflower

Campanula poscharskyana

Common names:
Serbian bellflower

Content Detail

Serbian bellflower is a compact, trailing plant with small, pale blue, star-shaped flowers. Rarely over 10 inches tall, this little plant looks great trailing over walls, in the front of a border, or in a rock garden. A vigorous grower, this long-blooming plant will form widening mounds as it ages.

  • Family (English) Bellflower
  • Family (botanic) Campanulaceae
  • Tree or plant type Perennial
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Small plant (6-12 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Road salt
  • Season of interest late spring, early summer, midsummer
  • Flower color and fragrance Blue
  • Shape or form Creeping
  • Growth rate Fast

Size:

Serbian bellflower grows from 6 to 10 inches tall. Its creeping, prostrate habit allows it to create a nice 12 to18 inch mound.

Native geographic location and habitat:

As the name suggests, this plant is native to Serbia.

Attracts birds or pollinators:

Butterflies and other pollinators are attracted to this plant.

Leaf description:

The leaves grow on long stems (petioles) and lie prostrate. Alternate, rounded, heart-shaped leaves have teeth along the margins. The leaves have scattered hairs, usually on the underside of the leaf.

Flower description:

Star-shaped light blue flowers face upward from the plant. Serbian bellflower has a long bloom time, from late May into July.

Fruit description:

Small black seeds are pointed at one end and spring from a small light brown seed pod.

Plant care:

Easy to grow, Serbian bellflower should be planted in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil. Divide in the spring or fall. The plant will spread rapidly, so plant in an area where it’s growth is limited.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:

No serious pest or disease problems. Occasional slugs and snails are pests. Salt tolerant.

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