Product Description
Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue' (30)ct Flat
Rapido Series
Common Name: Carpathian Bellflower, Carpathian Harebell
One of the earliest blooming C. carpatica types on the market with good vigor and uniformity. 1½-2" cup shaped, violet blue flowers and dark green foliage.
This group of Campanula is a robust, rock garden species, and many will thrive on sunny walls or banks. They require moist, very well-drained soil and will grow in either sun or partial shade.
Most members of this group appreciate some afternoon shade in southern regions.
Height: 5.0-7.0 Inches
Spread: 5.0-8.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Blue Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Late Summer
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Rapid
Border Plant, Container, Edging, Mass Planting, Small
Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue', also known as the Carpathian harebell or bellflower, is a charming and vibrant perennial that explodes with color in the garden. This captivating plant is ideal for small, narrow spaces and is a deer and rabbit resistant ground cover . It is an early-blooming variety, producing an abundance of violet-blue, cup-shaped flowers that blanket the plant from late spring to early summer . This compact, low-growing plant is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to borders, rock gardens, containers, and even as a ground cover . It can also be a showy indoor novelty pot plant.
Characteristics One of the most notable characteristics of 'Rapido Blue' is its quick and early bloom time. It blooms up to four weeks earlier than other Campanula varieties . 'Rapido Blue' bellflower is a dense herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. It typically grows to be about 5 to 7 inches tall and 5 to 8 inches wide . Its foliage consists of small, round, emerald green leaves with wavy edges that remain attractive throughout the season . The flowers are the main attraction, with their stunning blue bell-shaped blooms that have violet overtones and white centers.
Growth Habits 'Rapido Blue' bellflower is a first-year flowering perennial that does not require vernalization . It grows in a compact, low cushion mound . It grows at a medium rate and, under ideal conditions, can be expected to live for approximately 5 years . As an herbaceous perennial, it will usually die back to the crown each winter and regrow from the base each spring.
Ideal Planting Conditions This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist but not wet soil . It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and should do just fine under typical garden conditions . It is not particular as to soil type or pH and is highly tolerant of urban pollution, even thriving in inner-city environments . It is also suitable for slopes and rain gardens.
Sunlight This plant thrives in full sun (more than 6 hours of sun) to part-sun (4-6 hours of sun) . In warmer climates, afternoon shade is beneficial.
Soil While 'Rapido Blue' prefers rich, well-draining soil, it will tolerate average soil and clay if well-drained.
Watering 'Rapido Blue' has average water needs and prefers consistently moist, but not wet soil.
Temperature The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and bloom is between 60 to 65°F . Cool night temperatures below 50°F will cause the leaves to appear puckered or curled, while temperatures over 68°F will reduce the overall plant size and the size of the flowers.
Spacing When planting, space the plants 5 to 8 inches apart . It is important to avoid planting the plugs too deeply. They should be planted so the soil line of the plug and the surface media of the container they are being planted into is even. Planting the crown too deeply often leads to crop variability and losses.
Fertilizing Fertilizing is generally unnecessary in average to rich soils. However, a spring application of slow-release fertilizer can be applied if desired.
Winterizing Many perennials will grow new leaves around the base of the plant after flowering. These should be left on the plant in the fall, as they protect the crown. Clean off old foliage in early spring as new growth emerges.
Maintenance & Pruning To encourage continuous blooming, regularly remove spent blossoms . Plants should be divided every 2 to 4 years, in spring or fall . Applying a thick mulch around the root zone during the growing season helps conserve soil moisture.
It is important to note that 'Rapido Blue' is sensitive to certain growth regulators, particularly paclobutrazol and uniconazole. Applying these products could lead to over-growth regulation if not used carefully.
Propagation Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue' can be easily started from seed. It is recommended to sow four seeds per cell in 288 or larger sized plug trays filled with a well-drained soilless media . Do not cover the seeds after sowing, as light is required for germination. The seed flats should be moistened and moved to a warm environment, where temperatures can be maintained at 65 to 70°F for germination . Many growers utilize germination chambers during this stage to provide uniform moisture levels and temperatures.
Pests and Diseases While generally resistant to pests and diseases, 'Rapido Blue' can be susceptible to aphids, onion thrips, slugs, snails, western flower thrips, spider mites, aster leafhoppers, and leaf and root-knot nematodes . Potential diseases include crown rot, rot (Sclerotium), impatiens necrotic spot virus, aster yellows, leaf spots, powdery mildew, root rots, rust, damping-off, Botrytis blight, and Verticillium wilt.
Companion Plants 'Rapido Blue' bellflower pairs well with a variety of companion plants. Here are a few suggestions:
| Companion Plant | Description/Benefits |
| Clematis 'Stand by Me Lavender' | A beautiful lavender clematis that complements the blue hues of 'Rapido Blue'. |
| Coreopsis 'Curry Up' | Adds a vibrant pop of golden yellow to the garden. |
| Dianthus 'Cranberry Cocktail' | Offers a contrasting pink hue and a delightful fragrance. |
| Helictotrichon sempervirens | Provides a textural contrast with its blue-green foliage. |
| Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas' | Attracts pollinators with its lavender-blue flowers. |
| Veronica 'Very Van Gogh' | Creates a striking combination with its deep purple spikes. |
| Dianthus | Offers a variety of colors and forms to complement 'Rapido Blue'. |
| Alyssum | Provides a carpet of small, fragrant flowers. |
| Sedum | Adds interesting foliage and late-season blooms. |
| Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus) | Creates a backdrop of large, showy flowers. |
| Hydrangea (Hydrangea) | Offers a variety of colors and bloom forms. |
| Phlox (Phlox) | Provides a long blooming season and a variety of colors. |
| Coneflower (Echinacea) | Attracts pollinators and adds a touch of wildflower charm. |
| Shasta Daisy (Chrysanthemum) | Offers classic white blooms and a long blooming season. |
Landscape Uses Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue' is a versatile plant that can be used in various landscape settings. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for the front of borders, along paths in rock gardens, or as a showstopper in mass plantings.
Campanula carpatica 'Rapido Blue' is a delightful addition to any garden. Its vibrant blue flowers, compact growth habit, and low-maintenance nature make it a favorite among gardeners of all levels. This first-year flowering perennial blooms up to four weeks earlier than other Campanula varieties, adding a burst of early color to the garden. It is a versatile plant, suitable for various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and mass plantings, and even thrives as an indoor novelty plant. By following the planting and care instructions outlined above, you can enjoy the beauty of 'Rapido Blue' bellflower in your garden for years to come.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
