Thyme-leaved Harebell

A stunning and characterful alpine from the mountains of the Balkans, this plant forms a small, prostrate mat of narrow, dark green leaves. Its most striking feature is the clusters of large, upward-facing, deep violet-purple bells that appear to sit directly on the foliage in early summer. The contrast between the dark foliage and the rich, velvety flowers is exceptional. It is a choice plant for a crevice garden or a trough where its beauty can be observed from a short distance. In the UK, it requires very sharp drainage to survive the winter and a sunny position to flower well. It is hardy (H4) but, like many high-alpine species, it can be short-lived if the conditions are too damp or if the soil is too rich. Growing it in a very gritty, lean compost will help maintain its compact habit and ensure the plant remains healthy for several years.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Sharply drained, gritty soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.