'Pink Octopus' spreading bellflower (Campanula 'Pink Octopus')
Genus:
Campanula
I have a penchant for vigorous, spreading plants: For the price of one plant I can get tons more for free. Plus, plants that spread out are naturals for dry shade; the expanded network of root systems feeds the whole plant, helping it get the water it needs. ‘Pink Octopus’ quickly forms wide mats of tall, deeply cut, light green foliage. Throughout spring, octopus-shaped, candy pink flowers float in a mass over the foliage, sporadically appearing throughout summer. I use this plant as the horticultural equivalent of a slipcover to coat large areas of shade quickly, especially because it can handle the extremes of my Texas climate. This perennial is maintenance-free, other than keeping it from encroaching on less vigorous plants.
-Jimmy Turner, Perennials for dry shade, Fine Gardening issue #133
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Beautiful pink flowers and shade tolerance.
Care:
Be sure to keep this plant from becoming a bully in beds and borders.
Overview
Height
10 inches
Spread
18 to 24 inches
Growth Habit
Spreads
Growth Pace
Fast Grower
Light
Partial shade
Moisture
Dry
Characteristics
Showy Flowers
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Green
Uses
Color,
Shade
Seasonal Interest
Spring Interest
Type
Perennials