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 Bellflower

How 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

Canterbury Bells thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Canterbury Bellflower.

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