Campanula medium aka Canterbury Bells
Taxonomy
Campanula medium, also known as Canterbury bells, is a versatile flowering plant that can be grown as an annual, biennial, or perennial. Belonging to the Campanula genus and the Campanulaceae family, this plant is cherished for its beauty and symbolic meanings. With tall upright stems and lance-shaped green foliage, it forms clumps and provides an enchanting display of large, rose-pink, bell-shaped flowers during the summer months. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is easy to cultivate, although it prefers drier winters. Introduced to Britain in 1597, the Canterbury Bells plant has maintained its popularity throughout the centuries and can still be found adorning landscapes and windowsills worldwide. Native to the Mediterranean region, this plant is also known as "cup and saucer" due to the shape of its flowers. Blooming in its second year, the flower stalks can grow up to three feet tall and emerge from a rosette of green leaves. Whether grown outdoors or indoors, Canterbury Bells add a touch of old-world charm and serve as a symbol of gratitude, faith, and constancy.
Common names
Canterbury Bells, Cup And Saucer, Canterbury BellflowerHow to care for Canterbury Bells
Difficulty
Canterbury Bells presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Water
Canterbury Bells should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Canterbury Bells loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Canterbury Bells prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Canterbury Bells is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.
Growth-pattern
The Canterbury Bells is a clump-forming species, with new growth originating from the soil surrounding the main plant.
Region of origin
Canterbury Bells’s native range is S. Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Campanula Genus
Campanula aparinoides Bedstraw Bellflower
Campanula medium Canterbury Bells
Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower
Campanula parryi Rocky Mountain Bellflower
Campanula prenanthoides California Harebell
Campanula lasiocarpa Mountain Harebell
Campanula trachelium Nettle Leaved Bellflower
Campanula fenestrellata Adriatic Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower
