Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' (Carpathian Bellflower)

A delightful compact perennial with vibrant blue bell-shaped flowers for exceptional summer colour

Overview

Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' is an enchanting low-growing perennial that brings classic cottage garden appeal to any landscape. This beloved Carpathian Bellflower forms a neat mound of fresh green foliage crowned with masses of vivid blue, upturned, bell-shaped flowers throughout the summer months. Its compact habit and prolonged flowering period make it an indispensable addition to rock gardens, borders, and containers where dependable summer colour is paramount. The brilliant blue blooms create stunning focal points whilst providing perfect contrast to yellow and orange summer flowers in mixed plantings.

Key Features

• Flowering Period: July to September (extended summer display)
• Mature Size: 20cm tall
• Spreading: 60cm wide
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, establishing quickly in first season
• Hardiness: Fully hardy (RHS H5, withstands temperatures to -15°C)
• Soil Requirements: Moist but well-draining soil
• Aspect: Full sun to partial shade

Flowers

The crowning glory of 'Blue Clips' is its abundance of brilliant blue, upturned, bell-shaped flowers that are held on short stalks just above the foliage. Each flower showcases the classic campanula bell shape, creating a captivating display that persists for several weeks throughout summer. The intense blue colouration makes this variety particularly striking for creating bold colour schemes and providing dramatic contrast in mixed plantings.

Foliage

The plant develops a tidy mound of toothed and rounded bright green leaves that remain appealing throughout the growing season. The foliage tends to stay low and dense right to ground level, creating excellent ground cover whilst providing the ideal backdrop for the blue flowers. The leaves are heart-shaped and create a lush, full appearance.

Growth Habit

'Blue Clips' forms a compact, orderly mound that maintains a neat appearance without requiring frequent maintenance. The mat-forming characteristic makes it an ideal ground cover for edging applications, whilst its controlled growth habit prevents it from becoming invasive or overwhelming neighbouring plants.

Soil Requirements

Campanulas require moist but well-draining soil and tend to suffer in winter wet conditions. The plant performs best in fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with good organic matter content. Heavy clay soils should be improved with organic matter and grit to ensure adequate drainage, particularly in winter.

Light Requirements

Plant bellflowers in a position that receives full to partial sunlight. Will thrive in well-drained soil preferably in full sun to partial shade. Whilst they tolerate some shade, the best flowering occurs in sunny positions with good air circulation.

Watering Needs

Consistent moisture during the growing season promotes the best flowering performance. However, avoid wet winter conditions as these can cause root problems. Once established, the plant shows reasonable drought tolerance but benefits from regular watering during extended dry periods.

Planting

Plant from spring through early autumn, with spring planting allowing optimal establishment before winter. Space plants 20-30cm apart for ground cover effect or border edging. The compact size makes it excellent for container growing in pots, window boxes, and alpine troughs.

Maintenance

Deadhead regularly to promote continuous blooms throughout the summer season. This low-maintenance perennial benefits from removing spent flowers to encourage further flowering. Cut back in autumn once flowering has finished to maintain tidy appearance and prevent self-seeding.

Feeding

An annual application of balanced fertiliser in spring supports healthy growth and abundant flowering. Well-rotted compost or organic matter worked into the soil provides gentle, sustained nutrition throughout the growing season.

Rock Gardens

Ideal for rock gardens where its compact size and neat habit complement other alpine plants. The blue flowers create excellent contrast against stone and provide vibrant colour amongst other alpines.

Border Edging

The low, dense growth habit makes it perfect for edging paths and borders where a neat, controlled appearance is desired. Excellent for creating defined margins between different garden areas.

Container Growing

Outstanding for containers, patio planters, and window boxes where its extended flowering period provides reliable summer colour. The compact size makes it perfect for small-space gardening and balcony displays.

Ground Cover

Forms lovely carpets of blue summer colour whilst providing effective ground cover. Particularly useful for filling gaps in borders and covering difficult spots where other plants might struggle.

Mixed Borders

Serves as an excellent front-of-border plant, providing structure and continuity whilst other plants come and go through the seasons. The blue flowers complement virtually any colour scheme.

Companion Planting

'Blue Clips' creates stunning combinations with white and yellow flowers such as alyssum, feverfew, and golden marjoram. Pairs beautifully with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia and Stachys for sophisticated colour schemes. The blue flowers provide perfect contrast to warm colours like orange marigolds or yellow rudbeckia for vibrant summer displays.

Potential Issues

Generally pest and disease-free with no significant negative characteristics. The main concern is avoiding wet winter conditions which can cause root rot. Good drainage and air circulation prevent most potential problems. Slugs and snails may occasionally damage young growth in damp conditions.

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Fresh green foliage emerges forming attractive mounds
• Summer: Extended display of brilliant blue bell-shaped flowers from June to September
• Autumn: Continued late flowering with opportunity for deadheading and maintenance
• Winter: Herbaceous perennial dies back, returning reliably each spring

Hardy Zones and Regional Suitability

• RHS Hardiness: H5 (Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters)
• Temperature Tolerance: Withstands temperatures to -15°C to -10°C
• Regional Notes: Suitable for all UK regions with proper drainage
• Award Recognition: Many Campanula carpatica varieties hold RHS Award of Garden Merit

Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' represents exceptional value for gardeners seeking reliable, long-flowering summer colour in a compact, easy-care package. Its brilliant blue flowers, neat habit, and versatility make it suitable for virtually any garden situation from formal borders to informal cottage gardens. The plant's hardy nature and extended flowering period ensure excellent garden performance year after year, making it a worthy investment for any gardener seeking dependable summer colour.