Campanula carpatica 'Delft Teacups'

This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. The abundant flowers are a rich source of nectar for beneficial insects, while the plant is generally resistant to deer and rabbits.

This herbaceous perennial thrives in the spring and summer, going dormant in the winter. Its long-lasting blooms and attractive foliage offer months of garden interest during the growing season.

Front of perennial borders

Edging along walkways

Rock gardens or alpine beds

Containers and window boxes

Cottage and pollinator gardens

The foliage of Campanula 'Delft Teacups' is small, rounded, and bright green. The leaves form a neat, compact mound that serves as an attractive base for the flower spikes. The foliage remains lush throughout the growing season, providing interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

• Flowering Season: Campanula 'Delft Teacups' produces masses of bell-shaped flowers from early summer to late summer, typically blooming from June through August. These profuse blooms often extend into fall in cooler climates, creating a prolonged flowering season.

• Flower Description: The flowers of 'Delft Teacups' are delicate, cup-shaped blooms in shades of lavender-blue with a white center. Each flower measures about 1-2 inches across and has a soft, papery texture. These charming, bell-like flowers are held on wiry stems, forming a dense mound of blooms that create a striking display in the garden.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall, allowing the plant time to establish its roots before extreme heat or cold sets in.
• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant so the crown is level with the soil surface. Space the plants about 12-18 inches apart to ensure proper airflow and room to grow.

Prune spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the summer. After the main flowering period, you can cut the plant back by about a third to encourage a second flush of blooms later in the season. Trim dead foliage in late fall or early spring to keep the plant tidy.

Campanula 'Delft Teacups' prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, though it performs best with consistent moisture.

'Delft Teacups' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can tolerate light shade, particularly in hot climates where afternoon shade helps prevent wilting.

The blooms of Campanula 'Delft Teacups' make lovely cut flowers for small arrangements. To harvest, cut the flower stems when the blooms are fully open and place them in water immediately. They can also be used in dried flower arrangements.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost. A second light application of fertilizer after the first flush of blooms can help encourage continued flowering throughout the summer.

• Mulching: Apply a 1-2 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils but is adaptable to a variety of soil types.
• Disease Resistance: 'Delft Teacups' is resistant to most common garden pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Campanula 'Delft Teacups' is self-fertile and does not require cross-pollination to bloom. However, bees and other pollinators help transfer pollen between flowers, contributing to its lush flowering.

 Compact Perennials & Edgers:

• Geranium ‘Rozanne’ – Sprawling habit with violet-blue blooms to mirror Campanula’s color
  
• Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Adds colorful foliage contrast and works well in part shade
  
• Nepeta (Catmint) – Soft lavender-blue flowers and gray-green foliage echo Campanula's tones
  
• Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) – Chartreuse flowers and scalloped leaves contrast the delicate bells
  
• Aubrieta – Cascading habit and spring blooms, great for rock gardens or edging
  
• Dianthus – Low-growing and colorful, with fragrant flowers that bloom alongside Campanula
  
• Veronica ‘Georgia Blue’ – Sprawling habit and deep blue blooms in spring and early summer
  

 Shade-Loving Pairings (for part shade areas):

• Brunnera macrophylla – Bold, heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers enhance soft textures
  
• Tiarella (Foamflower) – Compact with frothy white/pink blooms and decorative foliage
  
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – Mottled leaves and early blooms give variety and spring interest
  

 Low-Growing Groundcovers:

• Thyme (ornamental) – Works well in sunny rock gardens or edges
  
• Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed) – Spreading, low-growing, and available in many foliage colors