Canterbury Bells
Dangling their loose, open clusters of bell-shaped flowers atop waving leafy stems, Canterbury bells are perfect for the informal garden where a soft. natural look is desired. Plant them about the rock garden in small groups or across a sunny meadow in a broad swath. Mix them into the cottage garden or mass them in waves in the border. They will behave best planted in dense groups, where they can help support each other’s 12 to 36-inch flexible stems. (You may still have to stake them in windy spots.) They bloom from June through July, in white and shades of blue, lavender, and pink.
Canterbury bells need rich, moist, well-drained soil. They will accept light shade to full sun. Plant them 4 to 12 inches apart. -Keep the soil evenly moist.
Several forms of this biennial are offered as “annual” strains. but even these should be started well in advance to ensure flowering the first year. Many nurseries offer young plants for sale. Canterbury bells are likely to reseed, which increases their desirability in naturalized gardens.
