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Canterbury bells
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Canterbury bells

Campanula medium

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameCanterbury bells
DescriptionCharming biennial featuring large, showy bell-shaped flowers in shades of blue, violet, pink, and white that bloom abundantly in late spring and early summer. Named for the bells of Canterbury Cathedral, the flowers are borne in tall spikes above rosettes of foliage, often with a sweet fragrance. A beloved cottage garden classic that provides vertical interest and romantic charm to borders, with 'Cup and Saucer' varieties offering double-layered blooms resembling teacups on saucers.
FamilyCampanulaceae
GenusCampanula
TribeCampanuleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(3)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming calyx tube, 5 fused petals forming bell-shaped corolla, 5 free stamens, 3 fused carpels with inferior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Campanula' from Latin 'campana' meaning 'bell,' referring to distinctive bell-shaped flowers. 'Canterbury Bells' named for resemblance to bells of Canterbury Cathedral in England. 'Medium' indicates intermediate size compared to other Campanula species
  • Large bell-shaped flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide and 2 inches (5 cm) long, arranged in tall racemes. Single forms have simple bells; 'Cup and Saucer' (var. calycanthema) has double-layered blooms with enlarged calyx forming saucer beneath bell. Colors include blue, violet, pink, white, and bicolors
  • True biennial completing life cycle over 2 years. First year forms basal rosette of leaves; second year produces flowering stalk, blooms May-July, sets seed, then dies. Some varieties behave as short-lived perennials. Self-seeds readily for continuous display
  • Grows 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 1-1.5 feet (30-45 cm), with 1-2 foot (30-60 cm) spread. Lifespan of 2 years (biennial cycle). Propagated from seed sown in late spring/early summer (germinates in 14-21 days, requires light)
  • Native to southern France and north-central Italy, particularly rocky slopes and mountainous regions. Now widely cultivated in temperate gardens worldwide, naturalized in parts of Europe and North America
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade with at least 6 hours of sunlight. Requires consistently moist, well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Performs best in cool climates. Stake tall varieties to prevent flopping. Deadhead to prolong blooming
  • Excellent cut flower lasting 7-10 days in vase. Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Popular in cottage gardens, formal borders, and cutting gardens. To maintain continuous display, sow seeds annually for biennial succession

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCampanula medium
English (Alternate)Bellflower, Coventry Bells, Cup and Saucer
Hindiकैंटरबरी बेल्ल (Kan-te-r-bree Bell)
Tamilமணிப்பூ(Manippoo), கேன்டர்பரி மணி(Kandharbari Mani)
Teluguకాంటర్‌బరీ గంట పువ్వు (Kaṇṭarberī gaṇṭa puvvu)
Malayalamമണി ആകൃതിയിലുള്ള പുഷ്പം (maṇi ākṛtiyiluḷḷa puṣpaṁ), ബെൽ പുഷ്പം (bel puṣpaṁ)
Kannadaಕಾಂಟರ್‌ಬರಿ ಬೆಲ್ ಹೂವು (Kāṇṭarbarī bel hūvu), ಬೆಲ್ ಹೂವು (bel hūvu)
Sanskritसुराद्रुम (Suradruma)
Bengaliঘণ্টাকর্ণ (Ghonṭakôrnô), ঝুমকা (Jhumka)
Frenchcampanule, campanule moyenne, campanule à grandes fleurs
Russianколокольчик средний (kolokolchik sredniy)
Spanishcampanula, campanilla
GermanMarien-Glockenblume, Großblumige Glockenblume, Garten-Glockenblume

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.