Campanula carpatica Blaue Clips

Campanula carpatica 'Blaue Clips' is one of the most beautiful varieties of Carpathian bellflower, and undoubtedly the most floriferous. This small creeping plant is charming with its long summer flowering, in the form of widely open bell-shaped, bright blue-mauve flowers. They bloom in abundance throughout the summer, almost hiding the vibrant green foliage that spreads out like a carpet. Very hardy and undemanding and more or less evergreen in winter, this perennial is ideal in rockeries, borders, on top of walls, and for covering the ground under roses. It will also enhance flower pots, balconies, flower beds, and hanging baskets.

Campanula carpatica belongs to the family of Campanulaceae. As its name suggests, it originates from Central Europe, particularly the Carpathian Mountains where it grows in limestone scree, up to an altitude of 2500 m (8202ft). It is a mountain plant that appreciates contrasting climates and dislikes arid conditions and heatwaves.

The 'Blaue Clips' variety is a low-growing herbaceous perennial, reaching about 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) high when flowering, with a minimum spread of 30 cm (12in). It forms large ground-hugging carpets of vegetation over time. Its basal rosettes of leaves spread indefinitely through branching and creeping stems called stolons, which root upon contact with the ground. The flowering period extends from June to September, in the form of well-opened bell-shaped flowers, with a lighter-coloured throat, measuring approximately 3 cm (1in) in diameter. The foliage is vibrant and shiny green and consists of heart-shaped, rounded, and highly-toothed leaves. It will persist if the winter is not too harsh.

Campanula carpatica 'Blaue Clips' likes moist, light, even chalky soils, but not stagnant humidity that causes root rot. This mountain plant does not like excessively hot climates or dry summers. It is primarily an excellent rockery and border plant. It will quickly fill cracks in paving, old walls, and retaining walls. It also fits well in a wild garden and forms a beautiful ground cover at the foot of other plants and bushes, as long as it is exposed to the sun. It adapts very well to container cultivation, in light and well-drained substrate. To accompany it, consider its white-flowered sister, Campanula White Clips or aubrietas and alyssums, which are also accommodating and easy to grow.