Saxifragale Bell

Campanula saxifraga (kam-PAN-yoo-luh saks-if-FRAG-uh)

Family: Campanulaceae Non-native Groundcover (<1 ft)

Saxifrage bellflower is a compact, upright, low-growing, creeping, herbaceous perennial ground cover or subshrub, native to Iran, Iraq, the North Caucasus, Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This delicate plant is typically found growing on rocks or rock crevices of alpine slopes. It presents as a clump of medium green foliage with abundant bell-shaped, blue-violet flowers from May to June. It is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name, Campanula, is derived from the Latin word campana, meaning bell, and refers to its bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, saxifraga , is derived from the Latin words saxum, meaning rock, and frangere , meaning to break. This refers to the plants preference to grow in the fissures of rocks. Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soils. It thrives in loose, coarse sand or rocky soils and prefers rock crevices or stone walls. Surround the plant with loose rock or gravel to form a collar; this will encourage adequate drainage. It is intolerant of wet soils, particularly during the winter. Its ideal temperature is from 32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Although it can tolerate temperatures below -22 degrees Fahrenheit, it needs the protection of snow or fir branches to protect it from the harsh cold. It naturalizes easily and handles transplanting well. To propagate this plant, stratify the seeds by sowing them in the winter. Division in the spring is also an effective method of propagation. Saxifrage bellflower has trailing, creeping stems and reaches a height of about 4 to 6 inches. The medium green leaves are narrowly, lanceolate with serrated margins and have a downy texture. The plant may remain evergreen in certain environments. The bell-shaped flowers are fairly large for the size of the plant. It makes an excellent addition to an alpine, rock, or crevice garden and looks attractive trailing over a garden wall. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Very susceptible to slugs and snails. It may be difficult to find these seeds in the United States. The available mail-order sites are in Europe.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 53 attributes.