Plant · GBIF taxon 5411453
Canterbury-bells
Campanula mediumAlso known as Bellflower, Cup and Saucer Plant, Coventry Bells
Canterbury-bells produce showy, bell-shaped flowers that cluster along upright stems, creating a dramatic display in cottage gardens and meadows. These biennial plants spend their first year forming a low rosette of hairy leaves before sending up tall, bloom-covered spikes in their second summer. Bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators frequently climb deep inside the blossoms to access the rich nectar reserves.
BiennialShowyPollinator-Friendly
- diet
- Photosynthetic (sunlight, water, and soil nutrients)
- family
- Campanulaceae
- threats
- Habitat loss, slug damage to young shoots, and powdery mildew
- life Span
- 2 years (biennial, occasionally annual)
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Support tall stems: Stake the heavy flower spikes in windy areas to prevent them from toppling.
- Deadhead for blooms: Remove faded flowers to encourage a longer blooming period throughout the summer.
- Protect young rosettes: Keep slugs and snails away from first-year leaf rosettes during damp spring weather.