How to Grow and Care for Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells are biennial plants, growing quickly, blooming in two years, and then they die. Canterbury bells have an upright form featuring numerous vibrant, sweet-smelling bell-shaped flowers that range from white to violet. Canterbury bells grow better in the northern United States, disliking the higher heat conditions of the southern states. They grow best in full sunlight in moist soil, and nutrient-rich fertilizer will ensure a healthy bloom.

Common Name	Canterbury bells, cups and saucers
Botanical Name	Campanula medium
Family	Campanulaceae
Plant Type	Annual, biennial
Mature Size	20-26 in. tall, 12-18 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Full, partial
Soil Type	Moist but well-drained, loamy, sandy
Soil pH	Neutral, acidic, alkaline
Bloom Time	Summer
Flower Color	Pink, white, purple, blue
Hardiness Zones	5-8 (USDA)
Native Area	Europe

Canterbury Bells Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing Canterbury bells:

• Grow best in full sunlight and cooler climates.
• Keep plants fed with nutrient-rich fertilizer to ensure a healthy bloom.
• Needs well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil.
• Water to keep soil evenly moist, not too dry or soggy.
  

Light

Canterbury bells flower best when exposed to four to six hours of full sun daily. They can grow in partial sun, but full sun is ideal.

Soil

Canterbury bells require well-drained but moist soil. The soil should be loamy or sandy, and a wide range of pH levels, from neutral to alkaline, is acceptable. Still, near-neutral is ideal.

Water

You should water your Canterbury bells regularly during the growing season, but be sure not to overwater. They will die in drought or flood, so maintaining good moisture retention is essential.

Temperature and Humidity

Canterbury bells do best in cool climates. If you live in an environment with hotter temperatures, provide your plant shade. Cool summer weather is ideal for Canterbury bells; temperatures over 80°F can harm your plant's health.

Fertilizer

Fertilize your Canterbury bells in spring with a nutrient-balanced fertilizer. Low nitrogen 5-10-5 NPK fertilizer is recommended. Hose the soil after fertilizing so the fertilizer reaches the plant's roots. Mix compost into the ground to increase fertility and improve soil drainage.

Types of Canterbury Bells

Canterbury bells are scientifically named Campanula medium, hailing from the bellflower family. They are native to the Mediterranean climate of southern Europe. They were introduced to Britain in the 16th century and were first called Coventry bells, but by the 1800s, they were called Canterbury bells.

• Campanula medium var. calycanthema alba: 24 to 36 inches tall; white flowers
• Campanula medium 'Bells of Holland': 18 inches tall; pink, purple, or white flowers
• Campanula medium 'Champion Pink': 2 feet tall; pink flowers
• Campanula medium Dwarf Bella Mix: 14 inches tall; blue, lilac, pink, or white flowers
• Campanula medium Double Melton Mix: 3 feet tall; flowers dark pink, light pink, or purple; double blooms

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and cut or pinch flowers as they fade to prune Canterbury bells. If you notice your plant becoming too large, you can prune excess flowers, even if they appear healthy. You should lightly prune Canterbury bells throughout the summer.

Propagating Canterbury Bells

It's best to propagate Canterbury bells by sowing seeds.

As a biennial, Canterbury bells take two years to bloom, after which they will die, so many gardeners choose to plant new seeds yearly. Usually, Canterbury bells are grown in flower beds, which are best suited for the second row in a bed of three rows, staggered according to height.

How to Grow Canterbury Bells From Seeds

Begin planting seeds indoors in the winter and transfer them to the outdoors in the spring.

1. Sow the seeds in a tray filled with potting soil in late winter
2. Sprinkle a light layer of vermiculite over the seeds.
3. Using a spray bottle of water, mist the vermiculite to keep it evenly moist but not soggy.
4. Maintain a temperature of 65 to 70 F.
5. When the seedlings emerge three to four weeks later, place the tray on a sunny windowsill and keep the soil evenly moist.
6. In midspring, begin hardening off the seedlings.
7. Transplant the seedlings into your garden once frost has passed.

Potting and Repotting

You can plant Canterbury bells in regular potting soil without additional measures. However, you may add some sand to the mixture. Choose a pot, tub, or container with drainage holes to ensure the plant doesn't become overly wet.

Repotting is best done in early spring, and given the height of the plant, staking is helpful for extra support.

Overwintering

It's best to grow Canterbury bells indoors for their first year to be well-prepared for winter. You can do so by using a thick layer of mulch and planting in the spring. Water very lightly during frosts.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

While infestations and disease aren't common, the plant can be affected by various insects and fungal diseases, both of which are treatable when addressed early.

Common pests and diseases affecting Canterbury bells include aphids, mites, slugs, and snails. The plant can also develop root rot, powdery mildew, and rust. Fungal diseases, such as rust, become visible as leaf lesions and open pustules that can spread to surrounding flowers. Pruning and good air circulation can help protect your Canterbury bells from disease.

How to Get Canterbury Bells to Bloom

Canterbury bells are known for their showy flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds to flower gardens. Attentive care and proper watering practices will help Canterbury bells bloom fully.

Bloom Months

Canterbury bells bloom from May to July.

How Long Do Canterbury Bells Bloom?

You can expect at least three months of blooms from spring to summer. These plants only live for two years. In the first year, the plant produces small green-leaf rosettes; in the second year, it grows its signature bells.

What Do Canterbury Bells Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Canterbury bells bloom bell-shaped, pink, blue, white, or purple flowers in the early spring through midsummer. They produce a sweet fragrance, sometimes thought to smell minty.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Sunlight is the most significant determinant of flower production. Ensure the plant gets at least six hours of sunlight. However, in climates with higher heat, give the plant some shade as relief from the sun by the afternoon.

Deadheading Canterbury Bell Flowers

Deadheading the flowers promotes growth throughout bloom. However, to have blooms every year, allow some flower seed pods to mature and use them to re-seed the flower bed each year.

Common Problems With Canterbury Bells

While Canterbury bells are relatively easy to grow and aren't particularly susceptible to pests, they can still suffer from issues common to all bellflowers. Owners should pay attention to discoloration and overcrowded flowers.

Discoloration

Fungal diseases will cause the leaves of your Canterbury bells to become yellow or brown and are difficult to manage once the spread begins. This can be prevented by avoiding overwatering.

Overcrowding

Canterbury bells produce a large volume of flower spikes, weighing down the stem and causing the plant to collapse. You can help prevent this by staking your plant and pruning as you notice excess growth.