Campanula medium 'Alba'

RHS Plant Profile
Canterbury bells 'Alba'

Synonyms

Campanula medium white
Campanula medium white-flowered

Plants for pollinators
Annual Biennial Herbaceous Perennial

A slow-growing, clump-forming biennial or short-lived perennial, to around 70cm high, with lance-shaped, toothed green leaves. Upright stems bear loose clusters of large, bell-shaped white flowers from late spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Campanula may be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with bell or star-shaped, often blue, flowers in late spring or summer
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, neutral to alkaline, moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade. Protect from excess winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews and rust diseases