The campanula portenschlagiana is a perennial plant that is known for its pale blue flowers, which bloom for several months throughout the summer season. This species grows very quickly, and can easily thrive in many conditions and climates. Due to its origins in the Dalmatian Mountains of Croatia, it may be referred to as the Dalmatian bellflower. Campanula portenschlagiana is also known as Birch's hybrid or the creeping bellflower in some regions.
One unusual quality of the campanula portenschlagianais its ability to self-pollinate, although it can also achieve pollination via birds and insects. It grows very rapidly, and tends to be much wider than it is tall, giving it a creeping, or carpet-like appearance. The campanula portenschlagiana grows to an average height of 1 foot (0.3 m), with an average width of just more than 3 feet (1 m).
The leaves of the campanula portenschlagiana feature a distinctive heart-shaped profile. They are evergreen, and keep their deep green color year round. The bell shaped flowers of this plant feature a brilliant blue coloring, and these flowers generally bloom for several months during the summer season. Both the leaves and the flowers are edible, with the leaves being added to salads or sandwiches and the flowers typically used as a decorative feature on the edge of the plate.
Even novice gardeners should find this species relatively easy to grow. It can thrive in both sandy or loamy soil, and requires few added nutrients in the form of fertilizers. The campanula portenschlagiana grows equally well in full sun or partially shady conditions. It requires moist soil with adequate drainage, and should not be over-watered. While this plant can survive in a wide variety of climate zones, it generally tolerates extreme cold better than it does high temperatures or tropical conditions.
The campanula portenschlagiana can be found in the wild throughout much of Europe, parts of Asia, and the Americas. It generally grows well in woodlands and forested areas. This plant can also grow in rocky conditions, and may protrude out of cracks in a stone wall, or in a rock garden. When left untended, this species grows very quickly, and spreads out to cover the ground like a carpet. In the garden, care should be taken to control the growth of this species and prevent the campanula portenschlagiana from spreading out too much and overtaking or compromising other plants.
