Campanula Carpatica [Kam-PAN-yoo-luh, Kar-PAT-ih-kuh] is a plant with flowers that come back every year from the Campanulaceae family, and native to central Europe.
This plant is an herbaceous perennial, which produces blue bell-shaped flowers on long stems.
For garden use, various Campanula flower varieties are produced in shades of purple, pink, blue, and white.
It was introduced by Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in 1977 at Kew to the Royal Botanic Garden and earned the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.
The common names for Campanula Carpatica include:
- Tussock bellflower
- American harebell
- Carpathian harebell
- Carpathian bellflower
Campanula Carpatica Plants Care
Size & Growth
This plant type is clump-forming growing about 11” inches tall and 8” – 12” inches wide.
It has rounded and long-stalked green leaves, which are about 4” – 7” large.
Flowering and Fragrance
During late spring, Carpathian bellflower produces upward-facing, bell-shaped, 1” – 2” inches violet-blue flowers.
The flowers continue to bloom in the early summer.
In some cases, rebloom might occur through the summer to early fall.
Light & Temperature
Campanula Carpatica loves to grow under the full sun.
However, it prefers part shade during the hot late summer season.
It grows best on a sunny wall if its roots have sufficient soil.
This plant is cold tolerant and survives cold temperatures around 28° degrees Fahrenheit (-2° C).
USDA hardiness zone 3 – 9.
Watering and Feeding
This plant prefers the soil to be evenly moist but not soggy.
As for its water needs, the water must be room temperature.
When using tap water, it’s best to let it sit for 24 hours, so the chemicals in the water are removed.
Water the plant if the top layer of the soil is dry when touched.
Avoid letting the soil completely dry out between watering.
Feed the plant with general fertilizer during the spring season, and again in mid-summer.
Soil & Transplanting
Carpathian bellflower likes well-drained, moist, and fertilized soil types.
It grows well in alkaline or neutral soil pH when placed in a sunny position.
It tolerates somewhat partial shade too.
If the plant is potted, there must be a sufficient amount of drainage holes.
Growing this plant in baskets is ideal as it allows proper drainage and airflow.
Grooming and Maintenance
Deadhead the plant to encourage new flower growth rate.
After its bloom time, the plant should be pruned to around an inch from the soil.
There’s a high chance it will bloom once again.
Air circulation is essential for this plant.
Secure a fan to direct air towards the plant but ensure the fan isn’t directly pointed at it.
Make sure to remove any dead leaves or stems.
Properly water the plant and avoid overwatering.
It’s important to watch for any signs of pests or diseases and take immediate action to control the issues before it damages the plant.
How To Propagate Carpathian Bellflower?
Propagate the bellflower plant through seeds.
- Take four seeds and sow them in a large plug tray with soilless well-draining media.
- Avoid covering the seeds, as this plant requires light for the germination process.
- The seeds must stay moistened and transferred into a warm climate, with temperatures between 65° – 70° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 21° C).
- Germination chambers are used for this process to offer the plant a consistent temperature and moisture levels.
- Provide a higher level of humidity until roots start forming.
- The germination process takes place seven to nine days after the seeds are sowed.
- After this process is complete, lower the temperature to 65° – 68° degrees Fahrenheit (18° – 20° C).
- As the leaves start emerging, feed the plant fertilizer with sufficient micronutrients.
Carpathian Bellflower Pest or Diseases
There are various pests and diseases this plant may experience from time to time.
However, there aren’t any serious problems or significant damages caused by these problems.
Be on a lookout for:
- Whiteflies
- Western flower thrips
- Spider mites
- Aphids
- Vine weevils
- Snails and Slugs
The common diseases affecting this plant are:
- Crown and root rots
- Botrytis blight
- Southern blight
- Ramularia
- Septoria leaf spot
- Rust
- Powdery mildew treatment
Root and crown rot is the most prevalent issue with Campanula Carpatica, which is mostly caused by Rhizoctonia and Pythium.
This rotting problem must be avoided by growing this plant at sufficient depth and following the right irrigation practices.
It’s best to scout this plant regularly to detect these issues early on, so the correct measures are taken to resolve any issues.
Campanula Carpatica Uses
Use this plant in path edging, rock gardens, containers, pots, window boxes, hanging baskets, border fronts, or as a groundcover.
This is an excellent combination plant and looks stunning as a potted plant.