Common Name: Tussock Bellflower

General Information

Campanula carpatica is a perennial plant that, in mild winter area, retains a carpet of basal leaves all year round. It typically forms low-growing clumps of spreading basal foliage from which arise erect, branching, flowering stems 15 - 70cm tall[, ].
The plant is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make a gound cover. The flowers and leaves can be eaten.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Europe - southeastern Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania

Habitat

Limestone cliffs in the upper mountain zone of the Carpathian mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies, Beetles, Lepidoptera, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Campanula carpatica is very cold tolerant, able to withstand winter temperatures down to at least -2°c[].
Prefers a moist but well-drained rich sandy loam and a neutral or alkaline soil in a sunny position though it also tolerates partial shade[, , ]. A very easy species to grow, it will tolerate almost any soil or situation though it prefers the fullest amount of sun[]. In hot summer climates the plant appreciates some shade from the hottest sun[]. Plants grow well on a sunny wall so long as the roots have soil to grow into[].
A very free-flowering plant, indeed it has one of the longest flowering periods of any species in this genus[]. If the plant is cut back as the flowers fade, it will usually produce a second flush of flowers later in the season[].
The species in this genus do not often hybridize and so seed can generally be relied upon to come true[]. This species, however, especially under garden conditions, is more likely to produce hybrids than most other members of the genus[].
The plants are self-fertile[].
In the garden, clumps need frequent division (every 2 years) in order to remain vigorous[].
A very variable species in the wild[]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[]. 'Chewton Joy' has pleasantly flavoured leaves[]. 'Wheatley Violet' has somewhat hairy leaves with a pleasant sweetness[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant flavour, they are slightly sweet but unless they are very young, they are a little bit chewy when eaten raw[].

Flowers - raw or cooked. Slightly sweet, they make a very pleasant and decorative addition to the salad bowl[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants make a good ground cover when planted about 30cm apart each way, forming a spreading clump[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow spring in a cold frame. Seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. Very easy from seed[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy[], larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.