Campanula poscharskyana Trollkind

Campanula porscharskyana 'Trollkind', also known as the Wall Bellflower, is a vigorous species with a low and creeping habit for rockeries and walls, in full sun or light shade. It forms a prostrate tuft from which long stems with numerous small lavender-blue star-shaped flowers emerge in spring and early summer. A wonderful, floriferous ground cover, for moist, light, well-drained soils.

Campanula 'Trollkind' belongs to the Campanulaceae family, it is a cultivar derived from Campanula porscharskyana, native to the Balkan Mountains (Croatia). In the wild, it is found in rock crevices and high mountain scree. This perennial forms a cushion 20 cm (8in) high, with a minimum spread of 60 cm (24in). It spreads through stems that root upon contact with the ground, allowing it to occupy a large area. The flowering begins in late spring and continues throughout the summer, more pronounced in cool climates. The star-shaped flowers measure 2 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter and are carried in loose panicles along the hairy stems. The medium green foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen depending on the climate, composed of small hairy, long, petiolate, heart-shaped leaves.

Campanula porscharskyana likes cool, light, and moist soils, but not stagnant moisture that causes root rot. It requires well-drained soil, even limestone, but still slightly moist to thrive. It should be planted in non-scorching sun or partial shade, sheltered from strong winds that dry it out. This mountain plant does not tolerate excessively hot climates, or nights with high temperatures. It develops well with warm summer days, tempered by short nights. Its growth can be easily controlled by pruning the creeping stems back. Clean the foliage at the end of flowering and in spring.

Campanula porscharskyana 'Trollkind' is primarily a rockery plant. It will quickly fill cracks in paving, old walls, and rockeries. It also suits a wild garden. It can be admired in pots, in lightweight and well-drained substrate and in hanging baskets where it will cascade in small luminous curtains.