Campanula medium ‘Blue’: The Enchanting Canterbury Bells
Campanula medium ‘Blue’, commonly known as Canterbury Bells, Coventry Bells, or Cup and Saucer, is a tall, biennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. Originating from southern Europe, this charming plant has gained popularity in gardens worldwide due to its strikingly beautiful and unique bell-shaped flowers.
Appearance and Description
Canterbury Bells have showy flowers that resemble a cup and saucer, adding an old-fashioned charm to gardens. The blooms appear in late spring to mid-summer, creating a spectacular display. The flowers are arranged on tall spikes, with each flower being broadly bell-shaped and measuring approximately 2 inches in width. The petals are fused, forming a single unit that typically includes 4-5 petals/rays.
The color of Campanula medium ‘Blue’ is a vivid blue, making it a standout feature in any floral arrangement or garden bed. The plant’s height ranges from 1 foot 6 inches to 3 feet, while its width spans between 1 foot and 2 feet. This pyramidal, clumping plant forms a rosette of green leaves in its first year, which evolves into tall, upright stems adorned with flowers in its second year.
Leaf Characteristics
The leaves of Canterbury Bells are green, simple, and alternate in arrangement. The basal leaves are lanceolate to elliptical, measuring between 3 to 6 inches in length, with serrated edges and a stalked base. The upper leaves are smaller, lanceolate, and sessile (without stalks), contributing to the plant’s overall elegant form.
Growth Habit and Form
Campanula medium ‘Blue’ has a clumping and erect growth habit, forming a pyramidal shape as it matures. This plant’s stature and form make it ideal for creating vertical interest in garden beds and borders. Planting Canterbury Bells in groups can provide mutual support, reducing the need for staking, although in windy locations, additional support may be necessary.
Blooming Season
The blooming season for Campanula medium ‘Blue’ spans from late spring to mid-summer. During this period, the plant produces an abundance of flowers, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The continuous bloom can be encouraged by allowing some of the flower seed pods to mature and reseed the flower bed, ensuring a vibrant display each year.
How to Grow Campanula medium ‘Blue’:
To thrive, Campanula medium ‘Blue’ requires specific growing conditions and care:
- Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade. In warmer regions, afternoon shade or filtered sunlight is beneficial to prevent the plant from overheating and to prolong the blooming period.
- Soil: Grows best in moist, well-draining soil. The soil should be fertile and retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
- Watering: Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells. The soil should be kept consistently moist.
- Temperature: Canterbury Bells thrive in reasonably cool temperatures. They are sensitive to extreme heat and cold, so providing a cool environment is crucial for their development.
- Mulching: In the first year, a low-growing clump or rosette of green leaves will appear, which should be well mulched in winter to protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures.
- Spacing: Plant Canterbury Bells 12 to 15 inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and space for growth.
- Pruning and Maintenance: Deadheading (removing spent flowers) promotes continued flowering and prevents the plant from expending energy on seed production. In windy areas, staking may be necessary to support the tall flower spikes.
- Pests and Diseases: Campanula medium ‘Blue’ is relatively resistant to deer and rabbits but regular monitoring for pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew is advised.
Attracts Wildlife
Campanula medium ‘Blue’ is not only a visual delight but also an ecological asset, attracting a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These pollinators are vital for the health of your garden, contributing to the pollination of other plants.
Propagation of Campanula medium ‘Blue’ (Canterbury Bells)
Propagation by Seeds
1. Seed Collection and Preparation:
- Harvesting Seeds: After the flowers have faded, allow some seed pods to mature on the plant. Once the seed pods turn brown and dry, collect them.
- Cleaning Seeds: Open the pods and carefully remove the seeds. Clean the seeds by separating them from any chaff or plant debris.
2. Sowing Seeds:
- Timing: Sow seeds indoors in late winter to early spring, approximately 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost date. For direct sowing, seeds can be planted outdoors in late spring or early summer.
- Seed Trays: Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Sowing Depth: Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them in. Do not cover the seeds with soil, as they need light to germinate.
- Watering: Mist the soil surface gently to moisten it without washing away the seeds.
- Germination Conditions: Place the trays in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature of around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate within 14-21 days.
3. Transplanting Seedlings:
- Timing: Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves and the risk of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors.
- Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day, increasing the duration over a week.
- Planting: Transplant the seedlings into the garden, spacing them 12-15 inches apart to allow room for growth.
Care for Newly Propagated Plants
- Light: Provide partial to full shade, especially in warmer regions.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering.
Additional Tips for Growing Campanula medium ‘Blue’
- Biennial Growth Habit: In the first year, the plant will form a rosette of green leaves. Flowering will occur in the second year atop tall, upright stems.
- Winter Mulching: Mulch the rosette of leaves in the first winter to protect it from cold temperatures and frost.
- Self-Seeding: To ensure continuous blooms each year, allow some of the flower seed pods to mature and self-seed in the garden. This will help maintain a cycle of plants that flower in subsequent years.
By focusing on seed propagation, you can successfully grow and enjoy Campanula medium ‘Blue’ in your garden, ensuring a continuous display of their enchanting bell-shaped flowers year after year.
Conclusion
Campanula medium ‘Blue’, with its enchanting cup-and-saucer-shaped flowers and vibrant blue color, is a delightful addition to any garden. Its unique appearance, coupled with its ability to attract pollinators and resistance to common garden pests, makes it a favorite among gardeners. By providing the appropriate care and growing conditions, you can enjoy the timeless beauty of Canterbury Bells in your garden for years to come.
