Campanula alpina
Description and General Information:
This bellflower is native to the eastern Alps, Carpathians and Balkans, growing in alpine meadows at an elevation of 1250-2000m. While reputed to be perennial, plants generally behave as a biennial in cultivation. In the first season, it produces a rosette of narrow, deep green, slightly hairy leaves. When it blooms, stems reach to 10-15 cm, topped with a raceme of nodding, 1.5-2 cm, mid to dark blue, hairy bells.
Cultivation:
This bellflower requires full sun, a well-drained site and soil that is on the acidic side. It hardy to at least zone 5.
Blooming Season:
In the wild, plants bloom May and June. In cultivation, it may bloom anytime from May in milder areas to August in cooler, coastal regions.
Propagation:
Seeds
Seeds:
Sow at 20 C; germination should occur within 6 weeks; if not, try giving them 8 weeks of stratification.
Division:
Plants are tap-rooted and usually monocarpic so division is not an option.
Cuttings:
N/A