Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intens Purple

Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intens Purple is a variety of Wall Bellflower similar to the 'Ambella Purple' variety, with a deep and intense violet colour. Forming a compact ball, this perennial blooms generously from spring until early summer, and sometimes again in September. Renowned for its robustness and adaptability, it is a classic in gardens. This wonderful, very floriferous ground cover deserves a prominent place in rock gardens, above a wall or in a planter where it cascades joyfully.

Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intens Purple belongs to the campanula family and is a very hardy perennial plant. The species is native to the mountains of the Balkans. In nature, it is found in rock crevices and high mountain scree. The Ambella Intense Purple variety forms a cushion of approximately 15 cm (6in) in height, with a minimum spread of 40 cm (16in). It spreads through stems that root in contact with the ground, allowing it to occupy an increasingly larger area. The flowering begins in late spring and continues throughout the summer, more abundantly in cool climates. It is common for the flowering to pause in summer, when it is dry and hot, followed by a resurgence in autumn. The star-shaped bell flowers measure 2 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter. The foliage is semi-evergreen to evergreen in winter depending on the climate, and consists of small, hairy, long-stalked, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges.

Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intens Purple does not appreciate climates that are too hot and dry, or hot nights. It thrives in light soils that are not too dry, but it dislikes stagnant moisture that can cause root rot. It is easy to provide these conditions in a sunny or partially shaded rock garden. It quickly fills cracks in paving and covers old and low walls. When planted in a line, it creates adorable, tidy small borders. It is suitable for wild gardens and pots, in light and well-draining substrate. In hanging baskets, it cascades in small, luminous curtains: pair it with a pink Diascia, a white-flowered annual Euphorbia Diamond Frost, or a lemon yellow Coreopsis for example.