Campanula carpatica var. turbinata Karl Foerster

Campanula carpatica 'Karl Foerster' is an old variety of Carpathian bellflower that remains unmatched in terms of robustness and longevity. This small creeping plant also charms with its long summer flowering in the form of widely open lavender bells facing towards the sky which are particularly large for the species. They bloom throughout the summer with vibrant green foliage, which will be more or less evergreen depending on the severity of the winter. Very hardy and undemanding, this perennial is ideal in rockeries and borders, on top of walls, and for ground cover under roses.

Campanula carpatica belongs to the family of Campanulaceae. It is native to central Europe, and more specifically the Carpathian Mountains where it grows in limestone scree, up to an altitude of 2500m (8202ft). It is a mountain plant that likes contrasting climates but not dry situations.

The 'Karl Foerster' variety is identical in nearly all respects to the species but has larger flowers. It is a low-growing plant, reaching around 20 to 30 cm in height when in flower, with a spread of at least 30 cm (12in). It eventually forms large carpets of vegetation close to the ground. Its basal leaf rosettes spread without theoretical limit through branching and creeping stems called stolons, which root upon contact with the ground. Flowering occurs from June to August, in the form of well-opened bells, a deep blue-mauve measuring over 5 cm (2in) in diameter. The foliage is semi-evergreen in winter, very bright and shiny green, composed of heart-shaped, rounded, and highly toothed leaves.

Campanula carpatica Karl Foerster likes moist, light, and even chalky soils, but it dislikes stagnant moisture that can cause root rot. This mountain plant does not like overly hot climates or excessively dry summers. It is mostly a plant for rockeries and borders which will quickly fill cracks in paving and walls. It is also perfectly suited for a wild garden. It adapts very well to container or pot cultivation, in light and well-drained substrate.