Clustered Bellflower Superba

A large, attractive, rich purple clustered bellflower, sometimes known as Dane’s Blood, Campanula glomerata Superba is a low, fast-growing, rhizomatous, herbaceous perennial, forming a low mound, which will creep outwards, of ovate, slightly toothed, mid-green leaves. From June to August, upright stems carry clusters of large, rich violet-purple, upward facing flowers, very attractive to pollinators. Clustered bellflower is lovely at the front of a border with hostas, but is best along a path, or in gaps in paving, where it will suppress weeds and which will keep it in check. Also good in gaps in stone walls.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: Summer
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 2’6” (75cm) Spread: 3’3” (1m) to indefinite

Photo by HQ and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.