Campanula portenschlagiana 'Planet' AMBELLA® PURPLE Dalmatian bellflower
Campanula
The genus Campanula is one of the largest and most deeply rooted groups within the European flora. Depending on the taxonomic approach, it includes approximately 300 to 500 species, with the greatest diversity concentrated in the Mediterranean region, the Balkans, and the mountain ranges of Europe and western Asia. The genus was formally described by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) in 1753 in his seminal work Species Plantarum, where he already noted its remarkable variability in form and growth strategy. Bellflowers have accompanied people for centuries not only as ornamental plants, but also as part of folk symbolism, where the bell-shaped flower evoked voice, calling and protection. Genetic studies point to an ancient origin and repeated adaptations to extreme habitats, ranging from alpine screes to dry limestone slopes.
AMBELLA® PURPLE belongs under the ADDENDA® trademark which consists of several bellflower and hebe varieties bred and grown in the Netherlands.
AMBELLA® PURPLE is an evergreen bellflower plant with deep violet blue flowers from early summer until late autumn, or even early winter if its beginning is mild. The colder the weather the darker the flowers. Leaves are broadly heart- or kidney-shaped, dark green, unevenly serrated. Plants grow quite fast and quickly form low but erect cushions.
Dalmatian bellflower prefers a sunny location, and will also live in partial shade with less flowers. It has no special soil requirements, its just has to be free draining and evenly moist. A lot of amateur gardeners consider all small bellflowers rock plants but many of them, including this one, need consistent moisture to thrive. In spring cut back the whole plant and fertilize from mid spring if you wand a profusely flowering clump. ADDENDA® bellflowers are nowadays almost predominantly sold as indoor plants but rest assured they are very hardy plants surviving at least -35°C (USDA zone 4), and in open ground perform much better than stuffed in a small pot.
Last update 31-10-2017
