Campanula Poscharskyana Info: How To Grow Serbian Bellflower

Campanula poscharskyana [kam-PAN-yoo-luh, po-shar-skee-AH-nuh] is a sprawling perennial producing low-growing foliage, making it a popular choice for ground cover.

It’s known for its lovely bloom of lavender-blue flowers.

blooms of the Serbian Bellflower - Campanula PoscharskyanaPin

Campanula poscharskyana is commonly called the trailing bellflower or the Serbian bellflower and it’s native to Serbia and the Dinaric Alps.

As the name suggests, it is a species of the Campanulaceae family and the Campanula (bellflower) genus. 

It’s easily grown in cool regions throughout the world.



Campanula Poscharskyana Serbian Bellflower Care

Size and Growth

The Campanula Serbian bellflower has low growth characteristics. It typically reaches about 4″ – 6″ inches tall with a spread of 12″ – 18″ inches. 

The trailing Campanula produces medium green leaves measuring 1.5″ inches long. 

It also produces shoots, reaching up to 10″ inches long, eventually developing flowers.

Flowering and Fragrance

The flowers appear in the garden from the shoots in the middle of spring and last until late summer or early fall. 

The flower color is often lavender-blue or lilac-blue appearing in loose panicles and feature star-shaped lobes.

Light and Temperature

The Serbian bellflower is native to a cool region and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9. 

In climates with nighttime temperatures remaining above 70° degrees Fahrenheit (21° C), the plant may not survive long. 

Plant in full sun to partial shade. 

While it tolerates partial shade, it grows best with lots of light. 

More light helps bring brighter, fuller blooms. 

However, direct afternoon sunlight limits growth and starves the plant. 

Strong winds also dry out the plant, which may become fatal. 

Avoid planting it in an open area prone to strong gusts. 

Campanula poscharskyana can tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods. 

The ideal temperature range during the winter is between 41° – 50° degrees Fahrenheit (5° C – 10° C). 

If bringing the plant indoors for the winter, place near a windowsill or under a lamp.

Watering and Feeding

Water plants regularly throughout the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, watering isn’t needed for outdoor plants. 

For overwintered plants, keep the soil slightly moist throughout the winter. 

Use liquid plant food every second week throughout the summer and none during the other months. 

It may need extra irrigation during the summer. If water remains on top of the soil after watering, improve drainage.

Soil and Transplanting

Use regular potting soil or garden soil. Siberian Bellflower grows well in average soil with good drainage. 

Transplanting isn’t necessary. However, container plants occasionally need fresh soil. Top off the soil in the spring.

Grooming

Groom the plant annually to control growth and limit the spread. 

How to Propagate Serbian Bellflower

Propagate the Serbian bellflower from seeds or division.

After the flowers bloom, the plant eventually produces seeds, which scatter in the late spring. 

Collect the seeds before they spread and sow at least 10 weeks before spring.

Sprinkle the small seeds over moist peat moss or commercial potting mix inside a seed-starting tray.

Cover the seed with a light dusting of soil.

Store the tray at room temperature near a windowsill with bright sunlight. 

Keep the soil moist.

After the seedlings appear, wait for them to reach about 4″ inches tall before transplanting. 

Transplant into the garden or use a container. 

Use a finger to dig a hole large enough for the seedlings. 

Irrigate plants thoroughly after transplanting. 

NOTE: The seedling may not bloom during the first year.

It’s also possible to sow the seeds directly in the soil after the last threat of freezing temperatures.

Scatter the seeds in the garden and rake a small amount of soil on top. 

The seedlings should appear within several weeks.

To propagate from division, wait until new growth appears in the spring. 

Use a small spade to dig up the soil around the plant. 

Creating a circle with a diameter of about 8″ inches. 

Carefully dig up the clump with the plant in the center.

Loosen the soil and cut the plant to create two or more sections. 

Transplant the divided plants in separate areas and water thoroughly.

Serbian Bellflower Pest or Disease Problems

The Serbian bellflower doesn’t suffer from any serious insect or plant disease issues, but common insects may occasionally infest potted plants.

Spider mites, whiteflies, and other pests often appear on potted plants when overwatered. 

More on getting rid of spider mites.

Try removing the pests manually using cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. 

Using sprays of water may also work.

Severe infestations typically require insecticide. 

If the problem continues, consider propagating unaffected parts using cuttings or seeds.

Along with pests and diseases, pay attention to the spread of the plant. 

The underground runners spread easily, making the plant invasive. 

Luckily, controlling the growth of the plant remains easy. 

Trim back the stems each year to limit the spread of the Serbian bellflower.

Suggested Campanula Poscharskyana Uses

Allow the Serbian bellflower to crawl over borders, walls, or banks. 

It also works well in rock gardens or provides edging for paths and borders.

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