Campanula cochleariifolia Bavaria Blue

Campanula cochleariifolia 'Bavaria Blue' is a lovely lavender-blue selection of the ear-leaved Bellflower, a pretty, small perennial species common in mountains. It forms low, round clumps of small leaves that disappear in summer under a profusion of small pendulous bell-shaped flowers on slender, flexible stems. It is charming and excels in cool rock gardens, above walls, or in any rocky environment reminiscent of its native mountains.

Campanula cochleariifolia Bavaria Blue belongs to the Campanulaceae family. The species is native to the Alps where it grows in limestone scree which is not too dry. It is a low-growing plant, reaching approximately 5 to 12 cm (2 to 5in) high, with a spread of 20-30 cm (8-12in). It is slightly stoloniferous, eventually forming attractive spreading clumps. Flowering occurs from June to August in the form of delicate single bell-shaped flowers in shades of mauve blue, measuring 12 to 20 mm (1in) long, pendulous, often facing in the same direction and clustered in dense cymes. The deciduous foliage is dark green. The basal heart-shaped leaves are visible during flowering, and the leaves on the stems are longer and lanceolate. This highly cold-resistant plant goes dormant in winter, its growth disappearing from the surface of the soil.

Campanula cochleariifolia 'Bavaria Blue' is primarily an alpine plant, comfortable in regions with cool and rather humid summers. This plant dislikes heatwaves, tropical nights, and excessive dryness. It can be planted in cool rock gardens or in rocky, chalky soil that remains slightly moist in summer. It will quickly fill cracks in paving, and pockets of soil in old walls and retaining walls. It is well-suited for a wild garden and adapts well to container culture, in light and perfectly-drained substrate. Pair it with other wall bellflowers (Lisduggan Variety), pasqueflowers, gentians, edelweiss, creeping baby's breath, or the white-flowered variety.

There is certainly a bellflower that will thrive in your garden, whether it is north or south, shady or sunny, dry or moist. In this diverse genus, a species-specific description is necessary.