Campanula isophylla

Campanula isophylla is a species of plant. The common names of the species include Italian bellflower, star of Bethlehem, falling stars and trailing campanula.

Campanula isophylla
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Campanulaceae
Genus:	Campanula
Species:	C. isophylla
Binomial name
Campanula isophylla Moretti

Description

Campanula isophylla var. alba in a flower pot in Gabrovo, Bulgaria

The species is a trailing perennial. The flowers are star-shaped and 3.5 centimetres across. The flowers are either blue, white, or mauve.^[1] The flowers appear in late summer to autumn. The leaves are heart shaped, toothed, and light green. The species' height is 6 to 8 inches and its width is 12 inches.^[2] The green stems tumble down the sides of pots. Campanula fragilis resembles the species. The species has been grown for generations.^[1] Author John Traherne Moggridge said in 1874 in one of his books that he proved that the seeds germinate freely and went on to say that they are so small that they might be transported by the wind alone, or adhere, without causing inconvenience, to the feet of small birds.^[3] A 1907 edition of Gardening Illustrated said that the blue flowers are rarer than the white flowers.^[4] The species is sometimes mislabelled as Campanula mollis in gardens. The difference between Campanula mollis and this species is the shape of the leaves.^[5] Volume 6 of The American journal of horticulture and florist's companion said that the flowers are of a most lovely blue color and last a considerable long time.^[6]

When potted, plants grow well in airy temperate conditions. Unlike most plants, the species is harmed by direct sunlight. It can only tolerate frost on the mountains of northern Italy, but pot-grown plants cannot.^[7] The authors Shane Smith and Marjorie C. Leggitt said that the species is best suited for a hanging basket.^[8]

This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[9]

References

1. Hessayon, D. G. (1992). The house plant expert. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. p. 112. ISBN 9780903505352.
2. Multiple authors (1997). Annuals & Bienniels. DK Publishing, Inc. pp. 111. ISBN 0-7894-1983-1.
3. Traherne Moggridge, John (1874). Contributions to the flora of Mentone and to a winter flora of the Riviera, including the coast from Marseilles to Genoa. L. Reeve & Co.
4. Fitzherbert, S.W. (1907). Gardening illustrated, Volume 28. p. 353.
5. Nicholls, Graham (2006). Dwarf campanulas and associated genera. Timber Press. p. 100. ISBN 978-0-88192-810-5.
6. Multiple authors (1869). The American journal of horticulture and florist's companion, Volume 6. J.E. Tilton and Co. p. 109.
7. Vermeulen, Nico (1999). Encyclopedia of House Plants. Taylor & Francis. p. 151. ISBN 978-1-57958-108-4.
8. Smith, Shane (2000). Greenhouse gardener's companion: growing food and flowers in your greenhouse or sunspace. Leggitt, Marjorie C. (illus.). Fulcrum Publishing. p. 192. ISBN 978-1-55591-450-9.
9. "Campanula isophylla". RHS. Retrieved 12 April 2020.