Annual or Monocarpic

[Howey]

At the moment, our FOGs group at The University of Western Ontario is preparing for its annual Plant Sale in two weeks time.  While assigning the various plants their proper designation - annuals, perennials, house plants, etc. - the question came up about whether Campanula incurva is an annual - I would have just called it monocarpic but wonder if that is right or if that covers it.  Or maybe it is a biennial?  Could it be a monocarpic biennial or is that a "double negative".  Anyway, can someone who knows for sure set us straight about this?  Thanks very much.  Fran

Frances Howey
London, Ontario, Canada
Zone 5b

[Lori S.]

It is monocarpic in the sense that the plant dies after flowering, but it seems to me to be most accurately described as a biennial.  (That's how it acts for me, anyway.  The plants bloom in their second year, then die.)

[Peter George]

It's an absolutely stunning plant, which I've raised from seed 3 times. Twice it bloomed and died in the 2nd year, and once it came back for a 3rd year, bloomed and was dead within 2 weeks. So it is almost always monocarpic, but apparently if it REALLY likes its location and the other conditions are perfect, it may come back for one encore. A plant well worth growing. I've never really collected Campanula seed in the past, but if I get it again, I'll make sure to raise a dozen or more seedlings and keep the plant around permanently.

[Hoy]

I would say it is biennial as Lori suggests. A biennial is monocarpic as well even if some plants can live a little longer. Monocarpic is used when a plant live for several years (more than two) then flowers and die. Sometimes you can postpone the death by deheading it.