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Campanula garganica 'Dickson's Gold'

Dickson's gold bellflower

Campanulaceae

Species native to southern Italy (Gargano Peninsula) and Greece

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunPart Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 5–7

Overview

Campanula garganica 'Dickson's Gold' is a low, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial reaching 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) tall with a spread of 10–15 inches (25–38 cm). This cultivar is grown for the combination of golden-chartreuse foliage and blue-violet star-shaped flowers. Leaves are kidney-shaped to rounded, 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) across, bright golden-yellow to chartreuse in spring, maturing to lime-green by midsummer, with crenate (scalloped) margins. Star-shaped, blue-violet flowers 0.5–0.7 inch (1.3–1.8 cm) across with a white center eye appear in loose clusters from May through July. The contrast between the golden-chartreuse foliage and the blue-violet flowers is the primary ornamental feature. Growth rate is moderate; the plant forms a tight, creeping mat rooting at the nodes. The golden foliage is brightest in morning sun with afternoon shade; full sun in hot climates causes leaf scorch, while full shade produces greener foliage. The species is native to limestone rocks. Short-lived (3–5 years); allow self-sowing or divide regularly. Slugs feed on the foliage.

Native Range

The species Campanula garganica is native to southern Italy (Gargano Peninsula in Puglia) and Greece. It occurs on limestone cliffs, rocky walls, and scree at low to moderate elevations. 'Dickson's Gold' was selected in cultivation.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, alpine troughs, between stepping stones, and in wall crevices at 8–12 inch (20–30 cm) spacing. The golden foliage brightens shaded rock garden niches. Functions as a small-scale ground cover in partial shade. Grows in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L), including troughs, shallow pans, and window boxes. The combination of gold leaves and blue flowers adds two-tone interest. Pair with silver-foliaged alpines and dark-leaved Ajuga spp. for contrast.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species type by the bright golden-chartreuse foliage (versus green). Distinguished from 'Birch Hybrid' by the golden foliage and the star-shaped (versus bell-shaped) flowers. Distinguished from C. portenschlagiana by the golden leaf color, the smaller overall size, and the star-shaped flower form with a distinct white eye at the center. The combination of golden-chartreuse kidney-shaped leaves and blue-violet star flowers with white eyes is diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3" - 5"

Width/Spread10" - 1'3"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks

Spring Summer

Star-shaped, blue-violet flowers 0.5–0.7 inch (1.3–1.8 cm) across with a white center eye appear in loose clusters from May through July. Peak bloom is May–June. Bloom duration is 4–6 weeks. Sporadic rebloom may occur in fall in cool climates.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Blue-violet with white center eye

Foliage Description

Golden-yellow to chartreuse (spring); lime-green (summer)

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand chalk rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in well-drained, gritty, alkaline to neutral soil in morning sun with afternoon shade. The golden foliage is brightest in partial shade; full sun in hot climates (zone 7+) causes leaf scorch and bronzing. Full shade produces greener, less colorful foliage. The species tolerates drought on limestone and rocky soils. Consistent moisture during bloom extends the flowering period. Short-lived at 3–5 years; allow self-sowing for persistence or divide in early spring. Good drainage is essential; crown rot occurs in wet winter soils. Slugs and snails are the primary pest concern.