How to identify Canterbury bells (Campanula medium)

How to identify Canterbury bells (Campanula medium)

Canterbury bells, also known as Cup and saucer

Canterbury bells is a distinguished biennial plant that typically reaches a height of approximately 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). Its foliage is comprised of medium green, basal leaves that are lance-shaped to oval, forming a low rosette. In the second year, it produces erect flowering stalks. A defining feature of canterbury bells is its large, bell-shaped flowers that often display a pleasing gradient of blue, purple, or white hues. These blossoms are arranged in loose clusters, and each is notably composed of a broad, inflated calyx opening into a flared corolla, giving them the unique cup-and-saucer profile. The flowering period occurs during the summer months, showcasing its prominent, ornamental blooms.

Lifespan: Biennial, Perennial, Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Canterbury bells

Erect stems 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, reddish-brown with bristly hairs for rough texture.

Large, bell-shaped flowers in blue, purple, or white hues, forming a unique cup-and-saucer profile.

Distinctly lanceolate to elliptical basal leaves with serrated edges, stalked; upper leaves smaller, sessile.

Tall spikes with 2-inch (5 cm) wide bell-shaped blooms in vibrant colors from late spring to mid-summer.

Flowers lack strong scent, visually appealing for pollinators, emphasizing bell-like shape.

Detailed Traits of Canterbury bells

Leaf Features

The leaves of canterbury bells are distinctly lanceolate to elliptical in shape. The basal leaves are sizable, measuring approximately 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in length and feature a serrated edge. These basal leaves are stalked, providing a clear distinction in structure from the upper leaves. The upper leaves are smaller, also lanceolate, and are sessile. This means they are directly attached to the stem without a stalk. Both sets of leaves display a clear central vein and lateral veins, contributing to their textured appearance.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Margin

Undulate

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Flower Features

Canterbury bells produces striking, tall spikes adorned with broadly bell-shaped flowers that are approximately 2 inches (5 cm) wide. These flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer, presenting a range of colors, often including vibrant blues, purples, pinks, and whites. Each bloom consists of fused petals forming a tubular shape that flares out at the edges, creating a characteristic bell-like appearance. These flowers generally lack a strong scent, emphasizing their visual appeal luring in pollinators.

Inflorescence Type

Raceme

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Stem Features

The stem of canterbury bells is erect and robust, measuring approximately 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in height. It is distinctly reddish-brown in color, providing a notable contrast against the surrounding foliage. The surface of the stem is covered with bristly hairs, giving it a rough texture. This bristly characteristic, combined with its sturdy build, aids in the identification of the plant. The stem does not display extensive branching, maintaining a predominantly upright growth pattern.

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Fruit Features

Fruit Type

Capsule

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Canterbury bells and Their Similar Plants

Serbian bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

The serbian bellflower (Campanula poscharskyana) is a semi-evergreen perennial flowering plant native to the Dinaric Alps which run throughout former Yugoslavia. While there are many cultivars, the cultivar Stella has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Wall bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

By forming a dense flowering mat, wall bellflower adds color to the rocky Mediterranean landscape of its native range. The violet or white bell-shaped flowers are not only pretty but also full of nectar and pollen, providing a precious food source for native bees and other pollinators.

Peach-leaved bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

Peach-leaved bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) is an evergreen clump-forming perennial that will grow to 91 cm tall. It blooms in summer with bell-shaped flowers that range in color from shades of violet blue to white. Thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers medium-moist well-drained soil. Deadhead after blooming to encourage new flowers.

Clustered bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

Clustered bellflower (Campanula glomerata) is a flowering plant native to Britain and Japan. The Latin name Campanula glomerata means "small bell." The cultivar Superba has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Tussock bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

The tussock bellflower is a compact plant with prolific upward-facing bell-shaped blooms. Dead-heading keeps these beauties blooming all season long. They grow easily in rock gardens, as ground cover, and in flower beds. They are easy to grow, resistant to rabbits, and thrive in full sun to part shade.

Spotted bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

Spotted bellflower (Campanula punctata) is a clump-forming perennial can grow to be 30 to 61 cm tall and 30 to 76 cm wide. Spotted bellflower grows best in full sunlight in moist soil. This species is considered easy to grow and produces an abundance of flowers. It attracts hummingbirds and is often cultivated in rock gardens.

Nettle-leaved bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

Nettle-leaved bellflower (Campanula trachelium) is a small flower found in Europe and Africa. It grows in woodlands, hedgerows, and the edges of forests. In landscaping, it is used most commonly for naturalistic borders due to its height and lovely summer blooms.

Italian bellflower vs. Canterbury bells: What's The Difference?

Italian bellflower is an evergreen perennial herb with white, blue, or lavender colored five-petaled flowers. It flourishes in well-drained sand or loam under partial shade to full sun. It is a great decorative plant when grown in hanging baskets and placed in patios or cottage gardens. This plant is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

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Key Facts About Canterbury bells

Attributes of Canterbury bells

Lifespan

Biennial, Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 1.2 m

Spread

30 cm to 45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Blue

Purple

Lavender

Violet

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Scientific Classification of Canterbury bells

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Bellflower

Genus

Bellflowers

Species

Canterbury bells (Campanula medium)

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Distribution Map of Canterbury bells

Canterbury bells, native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, thrives in temperate zones, having been introduced and cultivated across areas in Europe, North and South America, parts of Asia, and Oceania. Its adaptability has allowed it to settle in a wide range of climates, from cold to tropical highlands, making it a notable species in gardens and horticultural collections far beyond its native range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Canterbury bells How to Grow and Care for Canterbury bells