Campanula carpatica

Compact and bushy, Carpathian bellflower or Campanula carpatica is a small perennial groundcover with abundant light blue bell-shaped flowers that completely hide its very green foliage from June to August. It is a semi-evergreen hardy perennial that thrives in well-drained but deep soils that stay moist in summer. It is ideal for rock gardens or borders, and on top of walls.

Campanula carpatica belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to central Europe, specifically the Carpathian Mountains where it grows in limestone scree. It is a low-growing plant, reaching about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) in height when in flower, with a spread of 30 cm (12in). It spreads through stolons and eventually forms large patches. Its rosettes of basal leaves spread without limit through branching and creeping stems that root in the soil. Flowering occurs from June to August in the form of small open bells, measuring 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter, a blue colour that fades slightly in the sun. The semi-evergreen foliage is very vibrant and shiny, consisting of rounded and finely toothed heart-shaped leaves.

Campanula carpatica prefers moist, light, and even chalky soil, but it dislikes stagnant humidity that causes root rot. It does not thrive in hot climates or dry summers. It is primarily a rock garden and border plant, similar to aubrietas with which it forms beautiful polychromatic cascades. It quickly fills cracks in paving and stone walls. It also adapts well to container or pot cultivation, in light and well-drained substrate.

About bellflowers:

In bellflowers, the root grows white stolons that spread underground in all directions ensuring the plant's long-term perenniality. The numerous upright stems that arise from this root or stolons can be fertile or sterile. Thus, when one sees a large population of bellflowers, it is often just the clone of a single individual. On the other hand, different species of bellflowers easily hybridize with each other and are often accompanied by a variety of intermediate forms, which makes them very interesting for horticulturists.