Trailing bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana, Magyar Bot. Lapok 7: 103 (1908))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: Degen

Bibliography: Magyar Bot. Lapok 7: 103 (1908)

Year: 1908

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Campanula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Croatia to Montenegro

Description

Trailing bellflower, scientifically known as Campanula poscharskyana, is a delightful perennial that boasts a sprawling habit ideal for ground cover or cascading over walls. Originating from the Balkan region, specifically from Croatia to Montenegro, this charming plant was first described in detail in the early 20th century.

A member of the Campanulaceae family, Trailing bellflower features star-shaped, lavender-blue flowers that bloom profusely during the summer months. These blooms create a stunning contrast against the backdrop of its lush, bright green foliage. The flowers, typically around 1 inch in diameter, attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to any garden aimed at promoting biodiversity.

One of the most appealing characteristics of Campanula poscharskyana is its hardiness and versatility. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and can adapt to a range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay, provided they are well-drained. This plant is also tolerant of partial shade, although it flowers best when exposed to full sun.

Trailing bellflower is relatively low-maintenance, requiring little more than occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. It can be propagated easily through division or stem cuttings, making it a straightforward choice for gardeners looking to expand their planting areas. Furthermore, its deer-resistant nature ensures that it can be enjoyed without the concern of wildlife damage.

In landscaping, Campanula poscharskyana is incredibly versatile. It can be used in rock gardens, alongside pathways, or as a component of mixed borders. Its trailing habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets and window boxes, where its vibrant flowers can spill gracefully over the edges.

Given its beauty, resilience, and ease of care, Trailing bellflower is a plant that brings both aesthetic pleasure and practical benefits to any garden setting, continuing to enchant gardeners and horticulturists alike since its first documented description by Degen in 1908.

Common Names

Fra: campanule de poscharsky
Deu: hängepolster-glockenblume, poscharsky- glockenblume, poscharsky-glockenblume
Eng: serbian bellflower, trailing bellflower
Dan: stjerne-klokke
Swe: stjärnklocka
Nld: kruipklokje
Cym: clychlys ymlusgol
En: Trailing bellflower, Serbian Bellflower
Cs: Zvonek Poscharkův
Da: Stjerneklokke, Stjerne-klokke
Nl: Kruipklokje
Fi: Tähtikello
Fr: Campanule de Poscharsky
De: Hängepolster-Glockenblume, Poscharsky- Glockenblume, Poscharsky-Glockenblume
Is: Stjörnuklukka
Pl: Dzwonek Poszarskiego
Ru: Колокольчик Пожарского
Sv: Stjärnklocka
Cy: Clychlys ymlusgol
: Serbian bellflower

Synonyms

Distribution

• Yugoslavia (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 11, 2021 by Robert Horak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by josh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2018 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2017 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 24, 2018 by Pour Demos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Glyn Davies (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2019 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2017 by josh (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 9, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2020 by Lö MoniPer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Glyn Davies (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Miceli Veronica (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 31, 2022 by Yannick perey (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2020 by Annelie Peters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by Michael Cockrell (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 27, 2017 by Fabrice Krot (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 3, 2019 by Enno Huttenga (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by awpeters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Lorenz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5410151)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:140870-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Campanula poscharskyana Degen)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth