Campanula fenestrellata aka Adriatic Bellflower

Campanula fenestrellata, the Adriatic bellflower, belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It comes from the western Balkan Peninsula in temperate Europe. Reported countries include Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. Its presence in Serbia is less certain. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Kew describes its life form as perennial or subshrub. The RHS treats garden plants as evergreen perennials.

This small plant forms a low mound and spreads into mats. The RHS describes plants about 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] tall. Its broader size bands reach 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] in height and spread. These figures give more scope than the compact form suggests. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The leaves range from oval to heart-shaped. They have hairs and toothed edges, and remain through winter. Blue to violet-blue flowers cover the mound in summer. Each flower has a star-shaped outline.

Give this bellflower sun and soil that drains well. The RHS also lists partial shade as a suitable position. Moist soil with good drainage gives the best growing conditions. Suitable soils include chalk, loam, and sand. The plant accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. It can grow in exposed sites or sheltered places. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. This covers winter lows of about −15 to −10°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9.

Its low growth suits rock gardens, gravel gardens, and border edges. Grow it in beds or use it as ground cover. It also fits pots, patios, courtyards, and informal gardens. The RHS suggests planting beneath roses and shrubs. Its evergreen leaves provide cover beyond the summer flower season. It needs no pruning. Raise new plants from seed, divide them, or take basal cuttings. Slugs and snails may damage the plant. Rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can also affect it.

Plants For A Future lists both leaves and flowers as edible. Eat the leaves raw or cooked; they have a sweet taste. The leaves can add variety to winter mixed salads. Raw flowers also taste sweet and add colour to salads. The source reports no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every pet. It records no known medicinal uses or other uses. It also does not flag the plant as weedy.