Ask The Expert: What is this huge purple bell flower? It came 2 years after I sowed an area with a seed mix called “Grandma’s Cutting Garden.” It grows in rich, composted soil with other flowers. I live on an island off the coast of Maine,  Zone 5. – Marina

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Marina,
I believe the flowering plant is Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) which is one of the 300 species of the genus Campanula. This biennial species is slow-growing and clump-forming. It is hardy in zone 5-8, and produces bell-shaped flowers in white, pink, purple or blue colors.  Florists use this species of Campanula (also called Canterbury Bells, Chimney Bells or Bellflower) in mixed flower arrangements typically in April, May, June and July.  This flower was one of the first imported flowers grown in colonial gardens. In fact, Thomas Jefferson sowed this particular flower at Monticello.

It can be grown in part shade to full sun, and need rich, moist soil to thrive. They are great additions to summer perennial gardens, since they natural blooming period is Junish through August.

I hope this information was helpful. Please let me know if you need any other information about this plant.

Have A Good Day
Jamie Jamison Adams