I’m a little embarrassed to admit an error I have made for several years. My mistake? Cutting down and actually trying to root out the beautiful plant in the photograph above. The reason: I forgot I planted it, and the look of the foliage reminded me of a rampant weed that invades my garden. So of course, I worked hard each Spring to eradicate the intruder from my flower bed.

This year the foliage returned, lusher and more determined than in past years. Because the extra-snowy winter we experienced had killed off many of my bushes and perennials, I decided the glowing foliage really wasn’t bad in appearance, and perhaps the green would be a good foil for the mandevilla plant I was growing in a pot nearby. Imagine my surprise when small buds began to form. I decided they were going to open into the insignificant flowers of a weed. Within a few days the buds became more interesting, opening a week or two ago into beautiful purple-flecked bells.

Oh my, I’m in love with this plant. I researched the flower image on the Internet and identified it as Campanula punctata, commonly known as a bellflower. Campanula punctata can be a bit invasive, but is also graceful, beautiful, and as my cutting revealed…very persistent in growth. Once again, I’m reminded to write every plant name and location down, and keep a permanent record of all my garden plantings.

Here’s a bit more information on this lovely plant: Campanula Punctata