Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Miss Melanie’

Bellflowers are among the most popular of perennials. This showy, dwarf species is often grown in rock gardens, used as an edging, or in tubs and pots. Plants form a spreading patch of small green leaves, bearing loads of open violet-blue bells beginning in early summer and blooming for weeks on end. Because this is vigorous, keep it away from delicate alpine plants that could be accidentally smothered. Also may be used as a groundcover for a smaller area, especially nice under shrub roses. Plants may be clipped hard after blooming, to keep a tidy, compact appearance.