Campanula x 'Sarastro'

Sizes available: True gallon

Basics: zones 3-8, 18" x 24", full sun to part shade, large purple-blue bells on upright stems over mid-green foliage in late spring  to early summer, wants consistent moisture and appreciates afternoon shade unless kept moist.

Common names: Bellflower

Family: Campanulaceae

Origin/Distribution: Bred in Austria and named after the nursery where it was hybridized. Cross between C. punctata and C. trachelium.

Habitat: C. punctata hails from Siberia, Japan, Korea, and China and is found in open areas, sunny edges, and grassy slopes as well as disturbed habitats like roadsides. C. trachelium, from Europe, prefers it a bit shadier and is found in deciduous woodland, hedgerows, forest edges, and coppice, on humus-rich soils. Both like it consistently moist but well draining.

More: I think this might make a good cut flower. Long-blooming and low maintenance. Doesn't like hot nights. Deer resistant, slow spreader. 

Nursery: Van Berkum

Image credit: Van Berkum Nursery