Canterbury Bells
Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) is a classic biennial grown for tall spires of large bells. Plants form a basal rosette the first year, then flower the second year. Colors include blue, pink, and white, with single and cup‑and‑saucer forms. It prefers cool summers with low humidity and moist, well‑drained soil. Stems suit cutting when the first bells open. Many gardeners treat it as a cool‑season annual in warm regions. Fragrance is noticeable and sweet in bloom.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Biennial; often grown as a cool‑season annual
- Height × spread: 24-36 in × 12-18 in (60-90 cm × 30-45 cm)
- Bloom window: Early to mid‑summer
- Color & flower form: Blue, pink, or white; large bells; single and double selections
- Fragrance: 2 noticeable
- USDA hardiness: grown as biennial in zones 5-8; often annual outside this range
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut‑flower notes: Sturdy stems; typical vase life about 7-14 days
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Biennial lifecycle versus perennial bellflowers on the pillar page
- Tallest, showiest bells among common garden Campanulas
- Sweet fragrance compared with most bellflowers
- Less tolerant of heat and humidity than many perennials
Strengths
- Striking vertical spikes for cottage borders
- Excellent for cutting and arranging
- Wide color range in named series
- Performs in full sun to light shade
Care in one minute
- Start from seed or transplants; rosette year one, flowering year two
- Light: full sun to part shade; provide afternoon shade where summers are hot
- Soil: fertile, moist, well‑drained; neutral pH ideal
- Water: keep evenly moist during bud and bloom
- Groom: deadhead to prolong bloom; stake if exposed to wind
Watch‑outs
- Short‑lived; replant or let self‑seed to maintain a display
- Can suffer in hot, humid summers
- May need staking in wind‑exposed sites
Best uses (tags)
cutting, borders, cottage gardens, pollinators
Provenance note
Species of southern Europe long grown in cottage gardens; modern F1 series like ‘Champion’ are common in the cut‑flower trade.
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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