Family: Campanulaceae
Common Name: Sheep's Bit

These hardy annuals and perennials from the Mediterranean have simple leaves and dense, dome-shaped flowers in varying shades of blue. They are well suited to growing in sunny rock gardens.

Species

J. humilis, a perennial with blue flow­ers, grows to 20 cm (8 in).

J. laevis (Synonym: J. perennis) is a hairy perennial, to 30 cm (12 in), with spherical, clear blue flowers on unbranched stems, borne well above a tufted rosette of foliage.

J. montana, zone 6, an annual to 45 cm (18 in), has pale blue to lilac flowers.

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny spot with well-drained soil which ideally should be sandy. Propagate from seeds sown in a garden frame in autumn, or by division in spring (for perennials).

Climate

Zone S for most species.