About Campanula portenschlagiana Schult.
Campanula portenschlagiana Schult. forms a dense foliage mat that grows approximately 10 centimeters (4 inches) tall and at least 50 centimeters (20 inches) wide, producing many heart- or kidney-shaped leaves. It bears an abundance of deep purple or blue, funnel-shaped flowers that have 5 petals and measure 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long, and these flowers completely cover the plant from mid- to late summer. Its flowers can be pollinated by beetles, flies, bees, and butterflies, and they are also able to self-pollinate. The Latin specific epithet portenschlagiana honors Austrian naturalist Franz von Portenschlag-Leydermayer, who lived from 1772 to 1822. As an alpine plant, Campanula portenschlagiana requires sharp drainage. It is well suited for growing in alpine gardens, rock gardens, or as groundcover, and tolerates both full sun and partial shade. When growing conditions are suitable, it will quickly spread to colonize cracks and crevices in walls and pavements. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zone 3, and has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
