Dalmatian Bellflower Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intens Purple = 'Ptdb141301' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intense Purple, commonly known as the Dalmatian Bellflower, is a perennial plant known for its vibrant display and ornamental appeal. This particular variety, with a somewhat cryptic identifier 'Ptdb141301' notable for its plant breeders' rights (PBR), boasts a striking floral show. The flowers are the main attraction of this cultivar, presenting a rich, intense purple hue that easily catches the eye. They are shaped like small bells or stars, which is characteristic of the bellflower family. These blossoms typically grow in clusters, creating a lush, colorful mat that provides a vivid splash of color. The foliage of the Dalmatian Bellflower is also quite attractive, usually consisting of small, rounded to heart-shaped leaves that remain green throughout the season, contrasting beautifully with the purple flowers. The leaves have a tendency to form a low, spreading mound, which serves as a verdant backdrop for the floral display above. Overall, the appearance of the Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intense Purple is one of charm and vibrancy, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add a pop of color to rock gardens, borders, or as underplanting for taller plants. The durability and ease of care associated with this variety make it a desirable option for a variety of landscaping uses.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae.
Synonyms
Dalmatian Bellflower, Wall Bellflower, Adria Bellflower, Ambella Intense Purple.
Common names
Campanula portenschlagiana Ambella Intense Purple = 'Ptdb141301' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Dalmatian Bellflower is not known to be toxic to humans. However, it is generally recommended that people do not eat ornamental plants due to the potential for pesticides or other chemicals that may have been used in their cultivation, as well as the possibility of individual allergic reactions.
To pets
Dalmatian Bellflower is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is not considered poisonous, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset as a general reaction to the ingestion of plant matter that the pet is not accustomed to. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested this plant, it is wise to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant purple flowers of the Dalmatian bellflower entice bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: It is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established in suitable conditions.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent plant for covering bare spots in gardens, providing a lush, full appearance.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of dryness, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: The Dalmatian bellflower has a lengthy flowering period, typically from late spring to early fall, offering long-lasting visual interest.
- Hardy Perennial: It is a perennial plant, capable of surviving through winters and regrowing each year, reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Decorative Uses: Its attractive foliage and flowers make it a popular choice for containers, hanging baskets, and rock gardens, adding color and texture.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Flower Photography: Due to its vibrant purple color, Campanula (also known as Dalmatian Bellflower) is often used in macro photography to create stunning images that capture the intricate details of the flower.
- Cooking Garnish: The bright flowers can be used as an edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a splash of color and a light floral flavor to the dish.
- Artists' Muse: The rich color and bell-shaped flowers of Campanula make it a popular subject for artists, inspiring paintings, drawings, and other artworks.
- Event Decorations: This plant's flowers can be used to add natural decor to special events such as weddings or garden parties, either as part of centerpieces or scattered on tables.
- Fairy Gardens: Dalmatian Bellflower, with its enchanting form, makes a perfect addition to fairy gardens, contributing to a whimsical miniature landscape.
- Educational Tool: Dalmatian Bellflower can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about plant growth, pollination, and the life cycle of flowers.
- Cloth Dyeing: The flowers of the Campanula plant can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, offering shades of purple depending on the mordant used.
- Ice Cubes: Petals of the Campanula flower can be frozen in ice cubes to create visually appealing additions for cold beverages during summer events.
- Craft Projects: The flowers and leaves can be incorporated into various craft projects like pressing for bookmarks or cards, or even creating plant-based jewelry.
- Color Theme Gardens: Gardeners may use the Dalmatian Bellflower to create a color-themed garden area, focusing on purples and blues to design a visually cohesive space.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Constancy and Perseverance: The Dalmatian Bellflower, as Campanula portenschlagiana is commonly known, has a hardy and resilient growth habit, symbolizing the attributes of constancy and perseverance through challenging conditions.
- Gratitude: In the language of flowers, bell-shaped blooms like those of the Dalmatian Bellflower often represent gratitude, making them a thoughtful gift to show appreciation.
- Humility: The modesty of the Dalmatian Bellflower's appearance can embody humility, suggesting simplicity and unassuming charm.
- Enduring Love: The Dalmatian Bellflower has a long blooming period, which may symbolize enduring or everlasting love, reflecting a bond that stands the test of time.
- Hope: With its upward-facing flowers, the Dalmatian Bellflower can signify hope, indicating an optimistic outlook and the anticipation of good things to come.
WaterThe Dalmatian Bellflower should be watered regularly to maintain an even level of soil moisture, without allowing it to become waterlogged. A good rule of thumb is to water every week, providing approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot of soil area, which may increase to twice a week during hot, dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry. During the winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.
LightThe Dalmatian Bellflower thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. The best spot for the plant would provide morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from the intense midday sun. However, it can also grow well in a location that receives full sunlight throughout the day, as long as it's not too scorching.
TemperatureThe Dalmatian Bellflower prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a range between 30°F and 80°F, but the ideal temperature for thriving falls between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a slight frost but should be protected from severe cold and hot extremes to prevent damage.
PruningPruning the Dalmatian Bellflower promotes a bushier growth habit and prevents the plant from becoming leggy or untidy. Lightly prune the plant after flowering by removing spent flower stems and any dead or damaged foliage. This can be done several times throughout the growing season, usually from spring to late summer, to encourage additional blooms and maintain a compact shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDalmatian Bellflower thrives in well-draining soil with added organic matter. A mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand can create an ideal environment. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingDalmatian Bellflower should be repotted every 1-2 years to refresh the soil. Younger, actively growing plants may benefit from more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingDalmatian Bellflower prefers moderate humidity levels and can adapt to the humidity levels typically found in homes and gardens without needing special adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light, and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from intense midday sun.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Campanula portenschlagiana 'Ambella Intense Purple', also known as Dalmatian Bellflower, begins with seed germination, typically in early to mid-spring, in moist but well-drained soil with partial shade to full sun exposure. The seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of evergreen leaves, and with sufficient light and nutrients, they mature into compact, bushy plants. By late spring to early summer, the plant starts producing intense purple bell-shaped flowers that continue to bloom throughout the summer. After the flowering season, the plant sets seeds, which can be dispersed to propagate new plants naturally if not deadheaded. During the fall, the plant may continue to flower intermittently while preparing for dormancy. The evergreen foliage remains throughout the winter, although in particularly harsh climates, some dieback may occur, and the plant will re-emerge stronger in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The Dalmatian Bellflower 'Ambella Intense Purple' (Campanula portenschlagiana 'Ptdb141301') is most commonly propagated by division, which is typically done in the spring or early fall. To propagate the plant via division, carefully dig up a mature Dalmatian Bellflower and gently separate its roots into smaller clumps, each with several growing points. These clumps can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows for a quick increase in the number of plants and helps maintain the vigor of mature clumps.
