Campanula or Bellflower at Digging Dog | Campanula lactiflora, Campanula poscharskyana, Campanula takesimana, & Campanula alliariifolia

The definitive bellflower, Campanulas melt your heart as they ring in the summer. The genus includes nearly 300 species, from dainty miniatures to stalwart uprights; we can’t resist using them in almost every garden design. Campanulas prefer filtered sun inland, full sun on the coast.

Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’

In light of the notion that “new” is not always better, there’s nothing like welcoming back a hard working old friend. Large showy lavender-blue bells flower freely, nodding on graceful 8 in. stems above tidy low mounds of toothed, crisp green foliage. Visually cooling brickwork, small rocks or stone paving in bright sunny spots, this carefree Campanula can be paired with Dianthus ‘Charles Musgrave’ or pink flowering Saponaria x oliviana.

Campanula ‘Kent Belle’

Large, waxy dark violet-blue flowers hang like lanterns on 3 to 4 ft. stems above glossy basal foliage. We plant this quick colonizing offspring of Campanula takesimana among other vigorous perennials such as Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Sunbeam’ at the front of the border.

Campanula ‘Sarastro’

Sarastro Bellflower

It’s hard to imagine how on earth ‘Kent Bells’ could be improved upon but that’s exactly what happened when this first-rate Campanula punctata and trachelium hybrid was introduced. Not as tall, more compact and slow to spread are all good reasons why ‘Sarastro’ should be invited into your garden, but then add glistening 2 in. dark violet-blue bells and it becomes simply indispensable.

Named for the Austrian nursery where it originated, this exceptional Bellflower boasts sturdy, 20 in. spikes laden with floral pendants that don’t need staking, and look downright gorgeous alongside yellow flowering Centaurea ruthenica.

Campanula alliariifolia

Ivory Bells

Highly touted by Graham Stuart Thomas, who once referred to it as a “picture of poise and beauty,” this vigorous, clump-forming Campanula hosts a multitude of imposing one-sided spires, densely set with creamy white bells from top to bottom. The 2 in., nodding blooms sport prominent calyxes and elegantly illuminate the handsome, long-petioled heart-shaped foliage below.

Campanula carpatica var. turbinata

All the way from the Carpathian Mountains comes this lively Campanula with winsome mounds of saw-toothed bright green foliage. A profusion of cup-shaped, papery blue flowers face the sky and embellish any rock garden or border.

Campanula garganica ‘Dickson's Gold’

Cool your summer garden with the fresh colors of spring. In partial shade, the vibrant golden foliage and plentiful clear-water blue flowers of ‘Dickson’s Gold’ will literally glow with life. For even more delectable blue, plant with Salvia forsskaolii in the rockery or along a wall.

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’

Blowsy branching heads of soft pink bellflowers crown sturdy stems lined in pointed leaves, and with Boltonia ‘Snowbank’ nearby create a perfect duet for harmony and support. We love this plant just as much in winter when we pull back the mulch to see its crisp, fleshy white buds slumbering away the cold months.

Campanula lactiflora ‘Prichard’s Variety’

‘Prichard’s Variety’ is really quite a beauty, a classic border plant distinguished by an elegant profile. Abundant large, dome-shaped clusters of vibrant violet-blue flowers, brightened by a white center, crown the stout, branching stalks and verdant leaves.

Saponaria ‘Max Frei’ is a lively companion for this Campanula’s flowers and Achillea ‘Fireland’ adds warm red tones.

Campanula latiloba ‘Alba’

This elegant Campanula forms a tidy mound of deep green evergreen rosettes that hugs the ground. Stiff, flowering stems, in no need of staking, rise midsummer, displaying a multitude of ridged, creamy chartreuse buds. The abundant, snow-white, star-shaped flowers, each accented by three curled white anthers, are perfect for the white garden, especially against Phlox ‘David’.

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Waterfall’

Serbian Bellflower

A cascading river of blue-violet, star-shaped blooms emanates from this low-to the-ground, vigorous beauty. Opening from pointy ribbed buds, each soothing, cool-colored flower is highlighted by a subtle white eye, amid good-looking toothed foliage that is darker and more tidy than the species. ‘Blue Waterfall’ is tailor-made for tumbling over walls or creeping along steps, can handle some drought once established and is basically trouble free. (pp#13161)

Campanula poscharskyana ‘E. H. Frost’

This pre-glasnost Yugoslav émigré is a deservedly popular ground cover. Starry sprays of frosty white bells cover a low mat that can venture over walls or colonize a rock garden.

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’

This favorite of ours conjures images of a brilliant sky. The star-shaped blue-violet flowers open to reveal a white center that contrasts sharply with the deep green foliage. In a crevice or trailing over a rock wall with Geum ‘Beech House Apricot’, ‘Stella’s colors will contrast stellarly.

Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’

Not one person has passed by this plant in our garden without stopping to admire its extraordinary bell-shaped cherry-red flowers, which are neatly edged in white. Brightened by pale, purple-spotted throats, they can extend over 3 in. If the timing is right, onlookers will also notice the unusual ridged buds, fastened by long, narrow green calyxes. The ample-sized, pendulous blooms and buds are especially striking against the backdrop of somewhat triangular, serrated green leaves.

Campanula sarmatica

Gracing American gardens since the 1800s, this rarely offered, endangered Campanula fashions an attractive gray-green rosette of crinkled, arrow-shaped leaves, each with a rounded base, a somewhat fuzzy surface and long petioles. The dainty floriferous display of soft blue, flared bells borne on one-sided, upright racemes belies its rugged character.

A sun tolerant, clumping perennial, Campanula sarmatica’s quiet charm can be admired along a border’s edge or atop a wall accompanying Diascia ‘Coral Canyon’.

Campanula takesimana

If fairies lived in flowers, they would certainly call this Korean Campanula home. White with hints of lilac on the outside and spotted maroon on the inside, the 2 in. lanternlike flowers lighten even the darkest of days. With reddish stems and large deep green basal foliage, this perennial spreads easily and can be grown in full sun on the coast.

Campanula trachelium ‘Bernice’

Profusions of showy violet-blue flowers, their delicate layers of petals opening widely, embellish strong leafy stems above a neat mound of jagged-edged basal foliage. An excellent choice for the rock garden, tuck ‘Bernice’ in a crevice with gray-leafed Salvia ‘Bee’s Bliss’ nearby.

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

~~~~~~~

A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!

Choose from a stunning collection of

PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

from Digging Dog Nursery!

~~~~

GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~

~~~

~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that

are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd

to be eligible for the discount!

~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.

$100 worth of plants for only $90!

(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)

Use code: ”Valentines2010”

& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.

Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!

*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th

to be delivered by February 14! ***

_______________

___________________

Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants

Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:

If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift, we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.

____________________________

___________________

_______________

~~~

DEBORAH’S DIARY:

FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.

PERENNIALS

Cyclamen

These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.

Pulmonaria

One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.

Bergenia

Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.

Eucomis

Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.

Allium

Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.

Thymus

Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.

Salvia

Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.

GRASSES

Carex

Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.

SHRUBS

Erica’s

Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.

~~~~~~~~

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS

Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Diggings!

Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)

________________

____________

______

~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!

(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to

order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)

~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~

July 9, 10 & 11 and

October 8, 9 & 10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~

Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens

with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff

twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.

- dates to be announced -

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups.

Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes

9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.

- o -

~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon.

Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.

~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast,

we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.

~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and

surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.

LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM

Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham,

is available to travel to your club meeting

for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as

drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.”

Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club,

the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners,

the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others.

To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.

~~~~~

Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Campanula (Bellflower)
at Digging Dog

Including Campanula lactiflora, Campanula poscharskyana, Campanula takesimana, & Campanula alliariifolia

Campanula

Bellflower

Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’

Campanula ‘Kent Belle’

Campanula ‘Sarastro’

Sarastro Bellflower

Campanula alliariifolia

Ivory Bells

Campanula carpatica var. turbinata

Campanula garganica ‘Dickson's Gold’

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’

Campanula lactiflora ‘Prichard’s Variety’

Campanula latiloba ‘Alba’

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Waterfall’

Serbian Bellflower

Campanula poscharskyana ‘E. H. Frost’

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’

Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’

Campanula sarmatica

Campanula takesimana

Campanula trachelium ‘Bernice’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

Customer Comment:

top of page

Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Campanula (Bellflower)at Digging Dog

Including Campanula lactiflora, Campanula poscharskyana, Campanula takesimana, & Campanula alliariifolia

Campanula

Bellflower

Campanula ‘Birch Hybrid’

Campanula ‘Kent Belle’

Campanula ‘Sarastro’

Sarastro Bellflower

Campanula alliariifolia

Ivory Bells

Campanula carpatica var. turbinata

Campanula garganica ‘Dickson's Gold’

Campanula lactiflora ‘Loddon Anna’

Campanula lactiflora ‘Prichard’s Variety’

Campanula latiloba ‘Alba’

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Waterfall’

Serbian Bellflower

Campanula poscharskyana ‘E. H. Frost’

Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’

Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’

Campanula sarmatica

Campanula takesimana

Campanula trachelium ‘Bernice’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***

Customer Comment:

top of page

Campanula (Bellflower)
at Digging Dog

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events