Rainer's Bellflower

A true aristocrat of the alpine Bellflowers, this species is native to the Italian Alps. It is a dwarf, deciduous perennial that spreads slowly by underground stolons to form small colonies. The leaves are small, ash-grey, and slightly hairy. In summer, it produces spectacular, large, upward-facing, saucer-shaped flowers of a deep lavender-blue, which often appear to sit directly on the foliage. In the UK, it is most successful when grown in a crevice, a tufa block, or a very gritty trough where its roots can find cool runs while its crown remains dry. It is highly prized for its 'outsize' flowers relative to its tiny stature. It requires lime-rich, very well-drained soil and a sunny but not scorching position. Protection from slugs is often necessary as the tender new growth and flower buds are a magnet for pests. It is a slow-growing but long-lived plant when its specific requirements are met.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Sharply drained, lime-rich soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.