Carpathian Bellflower

Carpathian bellflower (Campanula carpatica), also called tussock bellflower, is a low-growing perennial from the Carpathian Mountains of eastern Europe. It forms a neat, compact mound of small, dark green leaves and bears upright, bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple or white. Each plant produces numerous flowers that last for several weeks.

The plant stays a compact clump rather than running widely. Named varieties differ in size. The Clips series grows about 8 inches (20 cm) tall, and the Rapido series grows 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) tall.

Sowing. You can start seeds indoors 7 to 9 weeks before the last expected spring frost. Cover the small seed only lightly, since light helps it germinate, and keep the temperature at 68 to 72 °F (20 to 22 °C).

Planting outdoors. Plant in full sun to partial shade, in fertile, well-drained soil, spacing plants 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm) apart. Seed propagation may not be reliable, so dividing established clumps in spring or early summer is the easier route.

Watering and mulch. The plants do best with cool roots, so mulch them and provide adequate moisture during dry weather. They will not tolerate soil that is too wet or too dry, and they won’t tolerate wet winters.

Deadheading and dividing. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Divide the clumps every 2 to 4 years in spring or late summer to keep them vigorous.

Slugs and snails can damage the plant, and slugs can chew tender new foliage. The plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust, as well as a leaf spot.

The flowers are attractive to pollinators and can be used as cut flowers.