PLATYCODON 



introduced, this has already developed several garden forms. The 

 flower bell is a larger edition of that of Campanula persicaria, but 

 does not grow in so dense a raceme. The spread of the ordinary 

 blossom is nearly two inches and might easily be more. The 

 corolla lobes are valvate in bud, and before the blooming impulse 

 can force the lobes apart the corolla becomes puffed out into a little 

 balloon. Like all flowers whose stamens die before the stigmas 

 mature, the life of the corolla is extended, for it must live to call 

 the bees for both. That the flowering stems usually need support 

 is an objection, as this always detracts from the grace and dignity 

 of a plant. 



A variety called japonicum, with semi-double flowers; that is, 

 with an inner bell whose lobes alternate with the outer, giving the 

 appearance of a ten-pointed star, has been developed in France 

 and is now offered by florists. 



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