Canterbury bells Campanula medium
Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) is a biennial flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family, native to Southern Europe (France to Italy). It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -28 °C (-18 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
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Canterbury bells at a glance
| Type | Biennial flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -28 °C (-18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | about 47–57 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern Europe (France to Italy) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Canterbury bells toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; no significant toxicity reported for Campanula medium.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Canterbury bells
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Canterbury bells
- How far apart should I plant Canterbury bells?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–45 cm (12–18 in).
- Does Canterbury bells need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Canterbury bells need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Canterbury bells?
- It tolerates about -28 °C (-18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5. As a biennial it is usually planted out after the last frost and flowers in its second year.
- When does Canterbury bells flower?
- About 47–57 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Canterbury bells poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not listed as toxic by ASPCA; no significant toxicity reported for Campanula medium.
- What grows well with Canterbury bells?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Canterbury bells. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Biennial: sown in early summer, forms a leaf rosette, overwinters, and flowers the next late spring to summer; usually dies after setting seed.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Edging lobelia Lobelia erinus
- Balloon flower Platycodon grandiflorus
- Fairy's thimble Campanula cochleariifolia
- Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) Codonopsis lanceolata
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Dwarf grassy bells (edraianthus) Edraianthus pumilio
- Dalmatian bellflower (wall bellflower) Campanula portenschlagiana