Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower)

Widely popular among gardeners, Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower) is a compact herbaceous perennial with bell-shaped, flaring, violet-blue flowers, up to 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), adorned with 5 broad, pointed lobes that form a star shape. Resembling bellflowers (Campanula), they open from large, plump, balloon-like buds which almost beg to be popped. Blooming throughout summer, the upward facing blossoms are held singly or in small clusters atop upright, branched, leafy stems. The foliage of lance-shaped, blue-green leaves, is sharply serrate and often turns dark purple or a mix of light purple and yellow in fall. Adaptable, long-lived and easy of care, Balloon Flower is a very reliable bloomer over a long season that enlivens the summer garden with its curious flower buds and starry blossoms.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its outstanding qualities.
• Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). May need support. To avoid staking, trim stems by half in late spring to reduce plant height
• Performs best in full sun or part shade, in light, fertile, loamy, reliably moist but well-drained soils. Avoid damp sites with heavy, waterlogged soils.
• Virtually disease-free. Watch for slugs and snails. Deer resistant
• A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or containers. Plant in groups for stronger effect.
• Deadheading spent flowers to prolong the bloom season. Cut back to the base in fall.
• The stems emerge late in the spring and may be accidentally disturbed by impatient gardeners. Marking their location each fall would be a good idea.
• Propagate by seed in pots or in situ in spring. This plant resents disturbance.
• Native to China, Japan, Korea and Siberia.
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