SYMPHYANDRA. Ring bellflower. Mediterranean region, Asia. A small group of biennial to perennial plants, related to and resembling the campanulas. They have attractive basal rosettes, leafy stems and clusters of nodding, white to purple, bell shaped flowers in late spring and summer. They are desirable plants for the rock garden and perennial border. Sun or light shade, well drained soil, moderate watering. They are hardy to around 0^oF.

armena. A promising garden plant, quite distinct from other species I have grown. It has broad, nearly heart-shaped basal leaves, each up to 10" long. They and the stems are quite hairy. For several weeks in summer it produces open sprays of 3/4" white to lavender-blue flowers. The current form has flowers in the lavender range which are extremely showy. The bad news is that it usually dies after seeds are set. The good news is that the seeds are many, and easily grown.

hofmannii? Once, in Wintergreen days, I received a pretty matting perennial under the name S. hofmannii. I gave its identity little further thought, until various friends insisted that it “could not” belong to this species, due variously to its size, matting habit and other features. None of the books have been much help, and S. hofmannii still seems closest to the actual plant. I am back to the original designation, with a lingering question. It forms lush carpets of nearly heart-shaped leaves, tinged at times with bronze. The flower stems are only about 6-8" high, each carrying several 1½" nodding, cream colored bells.