Campanula medium

Campanula medium — Canterbury bells

Campanula medium is the botanical name for Canterbury bells, a stately cottage-garden biennial bearing tall spires of large, cup-and-saucer bells in blue, violet, pink and white. It is the species behind our Canterbury bells and wider campanula planting within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

Native to southern Europe, Canterbury bells have been grown in gardens for centuries and are steeped in old cottage-garden tradition, their common name linked to the bells carried by medieval pilgrims travelling to Canterbury. They remain a romantic, old-fashioned border favourite.

The genus name Campanula comes from the Latin for "little bell," describing the flower shape, while the species epithet medium was an old herbalists' name once applied to the plant.

Botanical characteristics

A hardy biennial reaching around 60-90 cm, it forms a leafy rosette in its first year, then sends up robust, well-clothed flower spikes the following early summer, the large bells often backed by a flared calyx in the classic cup-and-saucer forms. The nectar-rich bells are much loved by bees, placing it among our pollinator flowers, while its height and substance suit it to cottage borders and our biennial flowers.

Growing Campanula medium from seed

Sow in late spring to early summer to flower the following year, pressing the fine seed onto the surface and keeping it warm and bright. Grow on and plant out in autumn into sun or light shade in fertile, well-drained soil; stake taller spikes and deadhead to prolong the display. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow Canterbury bells? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Campanula · Biennial Flowers · Pollinator Flowers · Cut Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.