Photo: Blackstem Plants

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Campanula (Symphyandra) pendula

Ring bellflower

Beauty and tragedy are combined in this rarely grown species. 

It is undeniably one of the most beautiful of the bellflowers but it often commits suicide by producing so many flowers and so much seed that it dies - literally - of self inflicted exhaustion. The job of dead heading such a prolific flowerer is a truly Herculean task but this may prolong the plants life. 

Even dedicated gardeners may throw in the towel and just collect seed for a continual supply of this gorgeous little plant. 

It's perennial, usually grown as biennial, from the Northern Caucasus and is very hardy and not particularly fussy. They thrive in sun, partial shade, ordinary well drained soil and when mature are drought tolerant. They are also suited to alpine and rock gardens. 

It seems quite sad that this little plant is rarely grown just because it's so eager to please. Go on, give one a loving home.