Campanula 'Rapido White'

Campanula 'Rapido White': Bright White Teacups for the Front Edge

Pure white bells pointing straight up, on a mound so tidy it looks like it irons its socks. 'Rapido White' is the overachiever of the front border. TYPE A IN THE BEST WAY.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Campanula carpatica 'Rapido White'
• Common Name: Carpathian Bellflower
• Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
• Spread: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
• Flowers: Pure white, open, upward-facing bells
• Bloom Time: Late spring to late summer (June to September), with repeat flowers when deadheaded
• Foliage: Small, light green leaves forming a low, cushion-shaped mound
• Features: Rabbit resistant, compact

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a path, fill pockets in a rock garden, or brighten the rim of a container. White flowers glow at dusk, so it's a good pick near a patio you use in the evening or in a moon garden. It's small enough for a window box or a narrow bed along a fence.

Companion Plants: Use 'Rapido White' to edge a moist bed in sun or part shade with bold leaves and iris behind. Darmera peltata opens pale pink flower clusters at 90 to 120 cm in April and May, before its huge leaves unfold. Iris 'White Swirl' adds clear white Siberian iris at 80 to 100 cm in May and June. Astrantia 'Star of Beauty' brings purple pincushion flowers at 60 cm from June to August. Molinia 'Moorhexe' grows to 60 to 90 cm in flower with fine dark green blades.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun to part sun, in well-drained soil that stays evenly moist. Cool roots keep it happy, so mulch lightly and offer a bit of afternoon shade in hot, exposed spots. Deadhead or lightly shear after each flush to encourage more flowers. Keep an eye out for slugs in wet weather. Divide every two to four years, in spring or late summer, to keep the clump vigorous.

History: The Carpathian bellflower grows wild in the Carpathian Mountains of central and eastern Europe, which gave the species its name. The Rapido series comes from Kieft Seed and was developed to bloom up to four weeks earlier than other Carpathian bellflowers.

Final Thoughts: Snip off the spent bells and it just keeps going, and the rabbits leave it alone. PERFECTIONISM NEVER LOOKED THIS RELAXED.