General Description/History

While there are about 300 species of bellflower, only one, C. medium, is commonly used as a cut flower. Bellflowers have a number of bell-shaped flowers per stem, typically large (2-5 cm or more long), and mostly blue to purple, but sometimes white or pink varieties are sold. Flowers have an obvious ‘spike’ of yellow pollen in the middle and open from the bottom of the stem up. They flower twice a year: in winter and late spring.

They are very popular garden plants and a real favourite in cottage gardens.

Campanula is grown as a field crop. Most are grown in Victoria, NSW, and QLD.

What to look for

• Buy when 1/3 to 1/2 the flowers in a spike are open and brightly coloured;
• Buds should be showing colour, except those at the very top of the stem;
• Avoid bunches with wilted tips, yellow leaves or where flowers drop off when bunches are shaken.

Flower Care

• Keep cool at all times.
• Strip leaves from the lower half of each stem and wash stem ends thoroughly.
• Leaves turn yellow before flowers wilt, so strip as many leaves off as possible.
• Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
• Always use a preservative as this will help keep open flowers looking fresh.
• Replace vase water with fresh preservative every day.
• Bellflowers are very sensitive to ethylene. Keep them away from fruit, car exhausts and cigarette smoke.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

In the Language of Flowers, Bellflowers mean ‘constancy’.

Botanical Name: Campanula medium

Common Names: Bellflower, Canterbury Bells

Stem Length: 30 to 60 cm

Country of Origin: Southern Europe

Available Colours: Blue, Pink, Purple, White

Season: Summer,Winter,Spring

Availability: July,August,November,Decemeber