==Campanula and Canterbury bell==

==Hardy annual, hardy biennial, and hardy perennial==

Among the numerous and diverse forms in the order Campanulaceae are many flowers of great value in the garden, including Single, Double, and Cup and Saucer strains of the popular Canterbury Bell (=C. medium=).  The impression that some Campanulas are shy growers and require exceptionally careful treatment may arise from the frail habit of certain varieties, or from the fact that some of them occasionally fail to bloom within twelve months from date of sowing.  The idea is not worth a moment’s consideration.  In moderately rich, well-drained soil the finest Campanulas not only prove to be thoroughly hardy, but they are most graceful in herbaceous borders or beds, and they may also be used alone in bold clumps with splendid effect.  For instance, the handsome Chimney Campanulas (=C. pyramidalis= and =C. pyramidalis alba=) frequently attain a height of six feet or more, and sturdy spikes occasionally measure eight and even ten feet from base to tip.  Such specimens are magnificent ornaments in conservatories and corridors, and cannot fail to arrest attention at the back of herbaceous borders, or when used as isolated plants on lawns.  When grown in pots use a light rich compost, taking care to insure perfect drainage.  The plants must never be allowed to become dry, as this not only checks growth but renders them liable to attack by red spider or green fly.  Another distinctive subject for the decoration of the conservatory is =C. grandis=, which may be described as a dwarf Chimney Campanula.  The freely branching plants, covered with attractive flowers, also form a striking group when grown in the open border.

Altogether different in character is =C. persicifolia grandiflora=, or the Peach-leaved Bell-flower as it is sometimes called.  This plant is lighter and more graceful than the Canterbury Bell.  It throws up handsome stems, two feet high, clothed from the ground with lance-like leaves and elegant bells which quiver in the slightest breeze.  An interesting plant is the Giant Harebell, a dainty flower on a slender stem, resembling the wild variety in form, but larger, richer in colour, and a more profuse bloomer. =C. glomerata= is one of the hardiest plants that can be grown in any garden, and the large close heads of deep blue bells have long been familiar in herbaceous borders.  For its very fine glistening, deep blue, erect flowers, =C. grandiflora= is also a great favourite.

Campanulas were formerly propagated by division, but this treatment has created the impression that they are unworthy to be ranked among the perennials.  From seed, the plants are extremely robust. =C. persicifolia grandiflora= resents division, which frequently results in weakened growth and a tendency, especially in poor or badly drained soil, to dwindle away.  The only satisfactory method of growing Campanulas is to raise