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Ground cover

Dalmatian bellflower

Campanula portenschlagiana

Dalmatian bellflower (Campanula portenschlagiana) is a ground cover plant that reaches 15 cm × 50 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Dalmatian bellflower
An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low bellflower that forms a tight cushion; from late spring to midsummer its small, ivy-like leaves almost disappear under violet-blue bells. It suits cracks in walls, joints between steps and paving, rock gardens and edging, and grows in sun or part shade as long as the soil drains well; in a hot, dry spot it is happier with midday shade. It spreads more slowly and tidily than the long-trailing Serbian bellflower, but in a good spot it still creeps on by seed and underground runners, so keep it away from small, weak neighbours.

Watch out for
Slugs and snails like it and mainly chew the fresh spring shoots and the flowers. In heavy, waterlogged soil it rots off in winter, and in scorching sun without watering it can burn and die back by late summer. Where it is happy it seeds itself into wall and paving cracks; shearing it after flowering keeps it dense and reduces self-seeding.

Key facts

Light
Full sun, Part shade
Water need
Medium
Care
Low
Size after 10 years
15 cm × 50 cm
Hardiness
down to -34 °C
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Flowering
May–August, purple, blue
Group Ground cover
Light Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years 15 cm × 50 cm
Ultimate size 8–20 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage Semi-evergreen
Flowering May–August, purple, blue
Water need Medium
Drought tolerance Medium
Maintenance Low
Root aggressiveness Low
Suckering no data
Spreading Medium
Distance from buildings no data
Distance from paving no data
Litter not typical
Planting distance 30 cm
For dogs Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size
Typical price
size not stated approx. €5 – €8.70

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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