Canterbury Bells: A Charming European Cottage Garden Classic
If you’ve ever wandered through an English cottage garden and been enchanted by towering spikes of bell-shaped flowers swaying in the breeze, you’ve likely encountered Canterbury bells (Campanula medium). These eye-catching biennials have been gracing gardens for centuries with their distinctive blooms and old-world charm.
What Are Canterbury Bells?
Canterbury bells are herbaceous flowering plants that follow a biennial growth pattern, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years. In their first year, they develop a rosette of leaves, then send up impressive flower spikes in their second year before setting seed and dying. Some varieties may behave as short-lived perennials under ideal conditions.
Originally native to southern and western Europe, particularly around the Mediterranean, Canterbury bells have naturalized in various regions and can now be found growing wild in several North American locations including British Columbia, New Brunswick, California, Ontario, Connecticut, Quebec, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Why Gardeners Love Canterbury Bells
There’s plenty to appreciate about these cottage garden favorites:
- Stunning flowers: The large, bell-shaped blooms come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, measuring 2-3 inches long
- Impressive height: Flower spikes can reach 2-4 feet tall, adding vertical drama to garden beds
- Pollinator magnet: Bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects flock to the nectar-rich flowers
- Excellent cut flowers: The sturdy stems and long-lasting blooms make beautiful bouquets
- Self-seeding: Once established, they often reseed themselves for continuous generations
Where Canterbury Bells Shine in Your Garden
These versatile plants work beautifully in several garden settings:
- Cottage gardens and informal landscapes
- Perennial borders as accent plants
- Cutting gardens for fresh flowers
- Mixed plantings with other old-fashioned flowers like foxgloves and delphiniums
Growing Canterbury Bells Successfully
Climate Requirements: Canterbury bells thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4-8, appreciating cool, moist conditions.
Light and Soil: Plant them in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. They’re quite adaptable to different soil types but prefer consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Planting Timeline: Since they’re biennials, timing is everything. Sow seeds in late spring or early summer for blooms the following year. You can also plant nursery-grown seedlings in fall.
Care Tips:
- Water regularly during dry spells, especially in their first year
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
- Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want them to self-sow
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
A Note on Native Alternatives
While Canterbury bells aren’t native to North America, they’re generally well-behaved garden plants that don’t pose significant ecological concerns. However, if you’re interested in supporting local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives that offer similar vertical interest and pollinator appeal:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
- Native lupines (Lupinus species)
The Bottom Line
Canterbury bells bring timeless beauty and pollinator value to gardens, especially if you’re drawn to that romantic cottage garden aesthetic. While they require a bit of patience due to their biennial nature, the spectacular flower display in their second year makes the wait worthwhile. Just remember to plan ahead and start new plants each year if you want continuous blooms, or let them self-seed naturally for a more carefree approach to gardening.
