Content Detail

Carpathian harebell is a low-growing plant with blue, bell-shaped flowers, which provide a long period of summer bloom. It tolerates a wide range of conditions, as long as the soil is well-drained. Excellent for use in rock gardens or the front of the border.

  • Family (English) Bellflower
  • Family (botanic) Campanulaceae
  • Tree or plant type Perennial
  • Native locale Non-native
  • Size range Small plant (6-12 inches)
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil
  • Season of interest late spring, early summer, midsummer
  • Flower color and fragrance Blue
  • Shape or form Mounded
  • Growth rate Moderate

Native geographic location and habitat:

This plant’s native range is eastern Europe.

Attracts birds or pollinators:

Pollinators and hummingbirds are visitors.

Leaf description:

The leaves are triangular and toothed and grow in low, dark green mounds.

Flower description:

Blue flowers are 1 to 2 inches across and stand upright on long stems above the mound of foliage.

Fruit description:

The fruit is a capsule.

Plant Care:

Plant in sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. The plant will not tolerate soils that are too wet or too dry and heat and humidity will also cause the plant to struggle. Be careful not to overwater. The plant prefers cool roots, so mulch is recommended. Deadhead to reduce seed and to keep the plant attractive. Divide in early spring or August.

List of pests, diseases, tolerances and resistance:

Slugs and snails can be a problem. It is deer resistant.

Blue Clips Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica ‘Blue Clips’):

Large, medium blue flowers bloom on a 6 to 8 inch plant.

Pearl Deep Blue Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica ‘Pearl Deep Blue’): 

A large, somewhat darker blue, upward facing flower distinguishes this cultivar.  

Rapido Blue Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica ‘Rapido Blue’):  

Blue upturned flowers show on a tight mound of dark green leaves and bloom up to four weeks earlier than other varieties.

Rapido White Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica ‘Rapido White’): 

Similar to Rapido Blue, but this cultivar has white flowers.

White Clips Carpathian harebell (Campanula carpatica ‘White Clips’):  

A white form of Blue Clips.

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