Campanulaceae
Canterbury Bells: Pet-Safe Plant
Campanula medium
Grow in full sun to partial shade in fertile, well-draining soil, keeping moisture consistent without waterlogging. Prefers cool climates; daytime temperatures above 28°C (82°F) hinder growth.
Every 4 days
Bright indirect
10° - 28°C
% - %
Categories
What is Canterbury Bells?
Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) is a medium-care plant from the Campanulaceae family. Canterbury Bells is an ornamental biennial native to Southern Europe, in the family Campanulaceae. It forms a low rosette of leaves in its first year, then sends up tall flowering stems in its second year bearing large, bell- or cup-shaped blooms in shades of blue, violet, pink and white from spring...
Canterbury Bells grows up to 90cm, spread of 30cm, watering every 4 days, 10°C – 28°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Canterbury Bells is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Canterbury Bells?
TLDR: Canterbury Bells needs Bright indirect, watering every 4 days, and temperatures between 10-28°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Canterbury Bells?
Water every 3-4 days during the growing season, keeping soil lightly moist. Water at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, and never let the soil become soggy.
How Much Light Does Canterbury Bells Need?
Thrives in full sun; give afternoon shade in hot climates, as too much shade weakens the flower stems.
What Is the Best Soil for Canterbury Bells?
Fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0-7.5). Avoid heavy clay and waterlogged ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Canterbury Bells?
Medium to large terracotta or ceramic pot with good drainage, sized to support the tall flower stems.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Canterbury Bells and Where Does It Come From?
Canterbury Bells is an ornamental biennial native to Southern Europe, in the family Campanulaceae. It forms a low rosette of leaves in its first year, then sends up tall flowering stems in its second year bearing large, bell- or cup-shaped blooms in shades of blue, violet, pink and white from spring into summer.
How to Propagate Canterbury Bells?
Seed Propagation
Seeds benefit from a cold stratification period for better germination; avoid overwatering young seedlings to prevent rot.
- 1 Sow seeds in light, well-draining potting mix in summer or early fall
- 2 Keep soil lightly moist and place in bright indirect light
- 3 Transplant the rosettes to their final spot before winter sets in
- 4 Plants only flower in their second year of growth
Materials needed:
How Big Does Canterbury Bells Grow?
TLDR: Canterbury Bells can reach up to 90cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
90cm
Spread
30cm
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Canterbury Bells?
TLDR: Canterbury Bells is susceptible to 9 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Rust
Rust is a common fungal disease caused by fungi in the order Pucciniales that affects a wide variety of plants. The disease gets its name from the characteristic orange, yellow, or reddish-brown pustules that appear on leaves, resembling metal rust. This obligate fungal parasite requires living plants to survive and can cause significant economic losses in agricultural crops.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a serious fungal disease that attacks the crown (base) of the plant where the stem meets the soil. It is caused by various fungal pathogens including Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions and can quickly spread to kill the entire plant if not addressed promptly.
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents gratitude, faith and constancy in Victorian flower language; the name refers to the bells of Canterbury Cathedral.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
