In this guide, I’ll run through everything you need to know about Canterbury Bells flower meaning, symbolism, popular types, uses, and essential growing tips.
It’s easy to see where Canterbury bells get (at least part) of their common name: from the bell-shaped flowers with a clapper-like stamen in the middle. The “Canterbury” reference isn’t quite as clear.
Canterbury bells have long been cultivated across Europe and North America and are highly valued as ornamentals. Florists appreciate their long-lasting blossoms and sweet, minty scent.
Grow Canterbury bells in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Keep humidity in mind, as the plants don’t grow as well in warm, humid environments. Rather, they prefer cool, temperature climates.
Instead of flowers planted in straight rows and shrubs neatly trimmed into rigid form, cottage gardens overflow with color, shape, and size in a mimicry of the profusion found in natural landscapes.