Canterbury Bells: A Brief History and How to Grow Them
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) have been gracing cottage gardens since the 16th century, when they first made their way from southern Europe into English horticulture. Named for their resemblance to the church bells of Canterbury Cathedral, these stately biennials became popular in Victorian gardens, where their elegant, bell-shaped flowers were favoured for both beds and cut arrangements. They carry a quiet charm—tall spires of pastel blooms nodding politely in early summer breezes—and have long been associated with gratitude and constancy in the language of flowers.
As biennials, Canterbury Bells follow a two-year cycle. In their first year, they form low rosettes of green foliage. In their second, they surge upwards to flower, producing majestic spires laden with blooms in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple—often with a pearly sheen that catches the light beautifully. They’ll flower from late spring into early summer, offering a graceful bridge between the fading of spring bulbs and the full flush of summer colour.
To grow Canterbury Bells, sow seeds in June or July in trays or a seedbed. Use a fine seed compost and sow thinly—don’t cover the seeds too heavily, as they need light to germinate. They should begin sprouting in two to three weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots or modules, and grow them on in a sheltered spot.
Plant out in autumn or the following spring, spacing them about 30–40cm apart. They’re happiest in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a touch of lime if your soil is acidic. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded spot with some shelter from strong winds—they can be surprisingly tall, reaching up to 90cm or more.
Water them regularly in dry spells and deadhead fading blooms to prolong flowering. If you let a few go to seed, they’ll often self-sow, popping up in unexpected corners with pleasant unpredictability.
In the modern garden, Canterbury Bells add a touch of old-fashioned elegance—perfect for cottage-style borders, wildlife-friendly plots, or anywhere a bit of romance is welcome. Pair them with foxgloves, sweet rocket, or honesty for a dreamy early summer scene that feels like something out of a storybook.