dryness as long as they are shaded;
they often respond by producing
smaller leaves, and if the drought is
prolonged they may go dormant.
Leaves usually burn in hot sun, but
will tolerate more sun in cool, moist
climates. Division generally is not
needed for 6–10 years or longer, but if
necessary it should be done in the
spring.
related plantS Several variegated
forms of Brunnera macrophylla are
available. My favorite is award-winning
‘Jack Frost’, with leaves like crackled
porcelain. The foliage of ‘Looking
Glass’ is almost completely white. All
benefit from deadleafing or cutting
back if the foliage deteriorates. Best
growth is in shady, moist sites to
prevent leaf scorching.Campanula carpatica
Carpathian harebell
c ampanulaceaeCup-shaped blue flowers; triangular leaves
6–12 in. (4–6 in.) high; 12 in. wide
Full sun or part shade
Blooms June–September
Zones 3–8pruning Young plants are little
charmers that provide a long bloom
period with minimal pruning other
than deadheading, which will reduce
seeding. Deadheading, and often
cutting back, is needed in later years to
keep plants attractive. Deadheading is
a tedious task due to the delicate
nature of the plants. Small sharp
pruning scissors work well. Depending
on the conditions, plants may require
cutting back by about a third or more
in midsummer for fresh growth and
possible rebloom. Plants can be cut
back in stages. For example, cut back a
third of the plant by a third, allowing
the other sections to continue
blooming. As the pruned section starts
to fill in, cut back another section of
the plant. This prevents a void in the
garden and keeps a part of the plant
flowering most of the season. If foliage
is severely tattered, or if plants open
up in the center, plants will benefit
from cutting to basal growth. Basal
growth should remain for the winter.
Cut back any dead foliage in the spring
if needed.
other maintenance Plants aren’t
particularly long-lived, succumbing to
heat, high humidity, and dry or wet
soils. Prefers a cool soil, and summer
mulch is useful, particularly in
southern gardens. Division is required
every 2 years and is best done in the
early spring or the late summer.
related plantS Campanula
carpatica ‘Blaue Clips’ (‘Blue Clips’)
and ‘Weisse Clips’ (‘White Clips’) are
more desirable than the species due to
greater vigor.
Campanula poscharskyana, Serbian
bellflower, is wonderful as a ground-
cover in dry conditions and part shade.
If grown this way, plants can be
deadheaded once with shears down to
basal foliage when all flowering is
finished. Foliage will remain
semi-evergreen to evergreen over the
winter. Can spread fairly quickly.Campanula carpatica