Campanula versicolor

Campanula versicolor is a perennial in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Common names include Grecian bellflower and scented bellflower. It comes from southeastern Italy and the Balkan Peninsula. Its range includes Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia. It grows in rocky places within the lower woodland zone. This is a plant of temperate regions, not a British native.

Its form varies from upright growth to trailing stems. A basal rosette gives rise to stems that bear leaves. The RHS describes its foliage as deciduous. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] in height. Their spread falls within the same range. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. This small size suits beds, borders, banks, and slopes.

Large sprays of flowers appear from late summer. Each flower has a star shape and a clove scent. The blooms are pale blue with a purple tint. Darker margins frame the petals around a deep, dark centre. The flowers supply nectar and pollen for visiting pollinators. They add late colour to informal gardens and mixed borders. PFAF also lists this species for wildflower gardens and wildlife planting.

Grow it in full sun with soil that drains well. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil conditions. Moisture can range from dry to moist, with good drainage. South-facing and west-facing sites suit it, including sites near walls. Both exposed and sheltered positions are suitable. The RHS gives it an H6 hardiness rating. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame during spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn. Cutting back spent growth limits seeding and may bring more flowers. Slugs and snails can damage plants. Powdery mildew and rust can also cause problems.

The leaves and flowers have food uses as well. Eat the leaves raw or cook them. PFAF describes their mild, sweet taste as pea-like. The leaves contain vitamin C and may remain available in winter. Raw flowers add a slight sweetness and colour to salads. These uses let gardeners combine food crops with ornamental planting. PFAF reports no known hazards, though this is not a pet-safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal uses and does not flag weed potential.