Campanula carpatica (tussock bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula carpatica is a clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Campanula carpatica grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5-H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders and ground cover. It is native to Carpathians.

About

Campanula carpatica is a clump-forming perennial producing basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves and short flowering stems to about 0.3 m. It flowers in the UK from June to September. Plants suit neutral to alkaline soils and tolerate loam, chalk or sandy, poorer soils where moisture is present but drainage remains free. Alpine forms need particularly sharp drainage.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula carpatica

About the genus

Campanula is the type genus of the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. Campanula are commonly known as bellflowers and take both their common and scientific names from the bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell".

Wikipedia contributors, "Campanula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula

In the garden

Campanula carpatica originates from the Carpathians and grows as a low, clump-forming perennial with basal rosettes and upright flowering stalks. Classified H5–H7, it is hardy to fully hardy across most UK regions and will withstand both exposed and sheltered positions when sited out of deep shade. Plant it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; it tolerates poor soils provided they are neutral to alkaline and remain moist but well drained. Alpine selections demand sharper drainage than lowland types. Its modest stature (around 0.3 m) makes it suitable for the front of borders, rock gardens and as a ground cover where compact clumps can spread between stones. Avoid deep shade and waterlogging; a free-draining, stony pocket on a rockery or an edging where soil is not heavily enriched will suit it. Place where the flowering stems can rise above the leaf rosette so the display from June to September is visible. Give individual plants space to form tussocks that reveal the basal leaves; this habit also helps plants sit well at a border front or on a gravel slope where surface moisture is moderate but not stagnant.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage
Aspect: Any except deep shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5-H7

Plant details

Campanula carpatica size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem
Height: 0.3 m
Suggested uses: Rock gardens, borders, ground cover
Native to: Carpathians

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula carpatica

Cultivation: Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.
Pruning: Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are the real problem, particularly on emerging spring growth and on alpine rosettes.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy; rust and powdery mildew appear on crowded or drought-stressed plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Campanula carpatica?

Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Campanula carpatica?

Campanula carpatica prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula carpatica need?

Campanula carpatica grows best in loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage.

How do I prune Campanula carpatica?

Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.

How big does Campanula carpatica grow?

Campanula carpatica reaches a height of 0.3 m.

Is Campanula carpatica hardy in the UK?

Campanula carpatica has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Campanula carpatica?

Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.

More in the Campanula genus

Browse all Campanula →