Canterbury bells

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a plant, Campanula medium, cultivated for its showy, bell-shaped violet-blue, pink, or white flowers in loose clusters.

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Etymology

Origin of Canterbury bells

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

A premiere destination for wildflower viewing, Chino Hills State Park is host to wild hyacinth, poppies, Canterbury bells and redmaids through May.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Wildflower Hill at the Theodore Payne Foundation Nursery is thriving with a few species of phacelia, including lavender-blue lacy phacelia and violet Canterbury bells.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

If you want to get up close and personal with blankets of goldfields, Canterbury bells, filaree and other native plants, your best bet is to take a hike.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2023

In places the hare-bells and Canterbury bells and the bugloss are so abundant as to make a whole valley-floor blue as in MacWhirter's picture.

From More Science From an Easy Chair by Lankester, E. Ray (Edwin Ray), Sir

The flower garden is gay with roses and poppies and Canterbury bells, the lawns and clipped hedges are like green velvet.

From The Sun's Babies by Howes, Edith