Campanula 'SARASTRO'

The largest bells in the world, I mean real bells that sound, come from southern Asia (Barma, China, Japan) or Moscow (Russia). The largest flowering bells come from Austria, from a nursery of the same name like the variety - Sarastro. It is a cross between c.trachelium var.hodoensis and c.punctata and was bred by Christian Kress in 1991. It was a winner of the best Bellflower Novelty in Chicago in 2009.

Sarastro is a perennial bellflower of compact habit and with huge flowers which can measure up to 8 cm. They are rich violet-blue, opening from stiff, pending, dark violet flower buds from mid June for at least 2 months. If pruned by a half or two thirds after the main flowering it produces shorter stems with numerous flowers in late summer and early autumn, extending the flowering period to 3-4 months. Flowers are sterile (not producing seeds), the plant multiplies by enlarging the clump. Stems are about 60 cm tall, nettle-like leaves are sharply toothed, ovate, and medium green.

This bellflower likes fertile, moist but well drained soil, and withstands some drought once established. It likes full sun and thanks to one of its parents it can take all-day partial shade, too. Hardy to about -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 03-01-2018