Carpathian Bellflower

Campanula carpatica (kam-pan-YOO-luh kar-PAT-ih-kuh)

Family: Campanulaceae Non-native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Carpathian bellflower is an easy-to-grow, herbaceous perennial with a mounding, compact, low-growing habit and showy blue, purple, or white upward-facing bell-shaped flowers. They bloom profusely and grow 4 to 12 inches tall and wide. This species is native to the Carpathian Mountains in eastern Europe; hence, its common name. It is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name, Campanula, is derived from the Latin word campana, meaning bell, and refers to its bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, carpatica , means "of the Carpathian Mountains." Plants tend to be short-lived when planted in hot, humid areas where nighttime temperatures do not fall below 70 degrees. The plant will not tolerate soils that are too wet or too dry. They should be planted in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-drained, loamy, chalky, or sandy soil, spacing plants 12 to 14 inches apart. The plants do best with cool roots; therefore, mulch and provide adequate moisture during dry weather. To maintain their vigor, the clumps should be divided every 2 to 4 years in the spring or late summer. Deadheading spent blooms will prolong the blooming period. They are easily propagated by division in the spring or early summer. Seed propagation may not be reliable. The Carpathian bellflower produces a neat, compact, low mound of green leaves and spreads slowly via rhizomes. The dark green leaves are small, smooth, heart-shaped to lanceolate to ovate, with serrated margins. The flowers are numerous and upright, bell-shaped, and appear on wiry stems in shades of blue, purple, or white. Due to its low-growing habit, it may be used as a ground cover in rock gardens, along border paths, or in containers. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. Monitor for snails and slugs. May be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 55 attributes.