Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue' (Balloon Flower)
Balloon Flower 'Astra Double Blue', Chinese Balloon Flower 'Astra Double Blue', Chinese Bellflower 'Astra Double Blue', Japanese Bellflower 'Astra Double Blue'
Vigorous and floriferous, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue' (Balloon Flower) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial which produces an abundance of fully double, bell-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm). 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. Adaptable, long-lived and easy of care, this compact Balloon Flower is perfect for cut flowers, containers, or the garden.
- Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 6-10 in. wide (15-25 cm). Does not need staking.
- 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.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Platycodon - Balloon Flowers |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
Spread | 6" – 10" (15cm – 25cm) |
Spacing | 10" (25cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Waters Gardens Inc
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 3
– 8 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 8 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Platycodon - Balloon Flowers |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 8" – 10" (20cm – 25cm) |
Spread | 6" – 10" (15cm – 25cm) |
Spacing | 10" (25cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |