A vigorous, spreading perennial, Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’ produces masses of starry, lilac-purple flowers from late spring through to early autumn. Its trailing stems form a dense mat of green foliage, spilling beautifully over walls, containers, and steps. This long-flowering variety brings a natural, cottage-garden feel and is particularly useful for softening hard edges or filling gaps in paving and borders.
Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’, commonly known as Trailing Bellflower or Serbian Bellflower, is a fast-spreading groundcover that offers reliable colour and pollinator appeal with minimal maintenance.
Perennial
Trailing, Flowering, Spring–Autumn Interest
Flowers: May–September
Foliage: Spring–Autumn (semi-evergreen in mild winters)
Scientific Name
Campanula poscharskyana ‘Stella’ (named after Gustav Poscharsky, a 19th-century German botanist)
Synonyms
None widely used
Common Name
Trailing Bellflower, Serbian Bellflower
Origin
Species native to the Dinaric Alps in the western Balkans (Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia); this is a cultivated variety
Pruning Tips
Trim back lightly after flowering to tidy and encourage fresh growth. Can be cut back hard in early spring to rejuvenate if looking tired.
Wildlife Value
A favourite with bees and other small pollinators – the open, star-shaped flowers are easy to access.
Positioning
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideal for trailing over walls, edging paths, or growing in containers and crevices.
Water
Moderately drought-tolerant once established. Water during dry spells, especially in containers.
Soil
Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types including chalky or sandy soils. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Food
Not a heavy feeder – a light application of balanced fertiliser in spring will support healthy growth and flowering.
Pet-safe
Non-toxic and safe for pets.
Sprouts Top Tips
Let it spill over raised beds or stone walls for a cascading effect – or plant between paving slabs for a whimsical, flower-filled walkway.
