Asyneuma Canescens

Asyneuma canescens is a rare south-eastern European bellflower relative with a compact clump of grey-green, softly hairy leaves and slender stems of narrow blue-violet flowers. The petals divide deeply and spread into a starry form rather than making a conventional bell, giving the blooms a delicate, airy quality. Native to rocky, sunny grassland from Slovakia towards Ukraine and the Balkans, it is well adapted to lean soils, summer heat and winter cold. Its restrained size and unusual flowers suit a trough, scree bed or front-of-border position where the foliage and fine floral detail can be seen closely.