Solved what is this plant that I planted?

Discussion in 'Identification Area' started by docjohn, Jul 11, 2019.

  1. docjohn

    docjohn Apprentice Gardener

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    Last year (early summer) I planted this perennial in the corner of my raised bed. I thought it was a campanula but it clearly wasn't! Two weeks ago it was about five foot tall. It didn't flower last year, died away over winter and reappeared this year. Since my pictures were taken two weeks ago, it appears that small yellowish flower buds are forming in the spaces between leaves and stalks and in the past two weeks, the tallest stalk has grown so long that it has dropped down to the patio and is growing along and bending up. What on earth can this plant be?

    IMG_0679.JPG IMG_0685.JPG
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 11, 2019
  2. Victoria

    Victoria Lover of Exotic Flora

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  3. Scrungee

    Scrungee Well known for it

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    Not Mullein.

    Maybe Balsam?
     
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    • Silver surfer

      Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

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      Interesting.
      Biennial possibly?
      Extremely square stems.
      Do please add pics to this thread when the flowers open.
       
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      • PaulB3

        PaulB3 Gardener

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        Maybe one of the Physostegias ?
         
      • CanadianLori

        CanadianLori Total Gardener

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        This is my balsam. Just had a thunderstorm so the flowers took a beating. Grown from seed this year
        15630574221651445249968.jpg
         
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        • CanadianLori

          CanadianLori Total Gardener

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          I hit post too quickly. I was trying to agree that the serrated edges of your plant are the same as my balsam. This is the first time I tried growing or even having it. I don't think it would be anything but an annual given our harsh winters.

          I like the flowers.At first I thought they looked like snap dragons. And I like them too :)
           
        • docjohn

          docjohn Apprentice Gardener

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          Well, after a month of flower buds growing slowly on the stalks, a couple of flowers have now finally appeared! Nothing like this happened last year. Hopefully this picture help you experts identify the plant conclusively! IMG_0692.JPG
           
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          • Silver surfer

            Silver surfer PLANTAHOLIC

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            Excellent. Thank you for new pics.
            That helps.
            Campanula sp.
             
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            • Selleri

              Selleri Koala

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              • KFF

                KFF Total Gardener

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                Have a look at Campanula Pyramidalis. The flowers aren't right for C. Persicifolia. Pyramidalis are star shaped like yours, C. Persicifolia are bell shaped.
                 
              • docjohn

                docjohn Apprentice Gardener

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                Thanks guys, at least my memory didn't let me down, it WAS a campanula!!! Just not like the campanula elsewhere in my garden, which is is purplish and covers the borders. I've not seen a giant one like this before. It will be a talking point for all my visitors. Case solved.
                 
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