European
Chimney bellflower (Campanula pyramidalis), biennial
Flowering plant, Height (up to): 304.8 cm (120 in.)
Courtyard
Commentary
Campanula pyramidalis
This enchanting bellflower bears heart-shaped leaves and twisting spires of starry blue and white flowers. Protected from winds and guarded by glass, the delicate, wand-like limbs elegantly reach for the sun.
It takes two years to grow Campanula pyramidalis from seed to its six-foot maturity. The seeds are sown each year on New Year’s Day. As with most biennial plants, bellflower seedings are slow to develop. Throughout the year, they are nurtured in the Museum’s greenhouses and potted up into successively larger pots.