Family: Campanulaceae

Distributed throughout many countries with warm climates, from South America to New Zealand, Australia, Asia and Africa, these carpet-forming perennials are useful for rock gardens and damp, shady places in the garden. There are around 25 species in the genus. All have branching stems, small, starry flowers and little, lobed leaves.

Species

P. angulata, from New Zealand, has white, starry flowers in summer, followed by purple fruits.

P. concolor has tiny, toothed, oblong leaves and blue, starry flowers. It suits wet soil and can become invasive.

P. macrodon, mountain pratia, from New Zealand, has tiny, round leaves, yellow or white flowers, and purple fruit.

P. nummularia, zone 9, from tropical Asia, has tiny, round leaves and lilac, rose or yellowish green flowers with yellow throats and purple lower lips, followed by small, purple fruits.

P. pedunculata has small, round, toothed leaves and starry, blue flowers. It makes a good groundcover.

P. purpurascens, white root, is a spreading, lobelia-like plant, with long-stalked, lilac and blue flowers. It can be invasive, especially in turf.

Cultivation

Pratias are grown in partial or full shade. They need plenty of moisture and will not withstand drying out. The best method of propagation is division of established plants in spring or autumn. Make sure newly planted divisions do not dry out.

Climate

Zone 7 for most species.