Campanula raineri - not

[David Shaw]

Seede-ex 2008/09  Number 722 - Campanula raineri
As soon as the seedlings started to grow it was obviously not going to be Campanula raineri, but I could not decide just what it was. As it was in flower like this on Saturday for Aberdeen Show I entered it as 'grown from seed' and asked for suggestions. Thanks to Ian Young for suggesting that I moved away from genus Campanula and looked at Family Campanulacea instead. Looking into the Campanula book ( remember I am Publications Manager so had a copy with me ) I soon settled for genus Symphyandra, one that I had never heard of before. After some work on the web today i am pretty certain that it is Symphyandra wanneri. Not what I had been hoping for but an interesting plant, monocarpic, for the rockery. I also found that Luc and one of the Aberdeen members also had this seed.
The flowers in the picture are a little too blue. There should be a hint of red in the colouring.

[ChrisB]

I must have had the same seed, David.  Mine looks exactly like yours, and began flowering this morning.  How's that for synchronisation?  Lovely plant, despite not being what it said on the packet. Shame its monocarpic.....

[Roma]

I've had this plant a long time, David (as Symphyandra wanneri).  It is biennial but produces plenty seed.  I never sow it but find seedlings in the greenhouse every year and a few in the garden too.  It is a lovely thing and does not become a nuisance.