Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue' (Balloon Flower)
Balloon Flower 'Fuji Blue', Chinese Balloon Flower 'Fuji Blue', Chinese Bellflower 'Fuji Blue', Japanese Bellflower 'Fuji Blue'
Vigorous and floriferous, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue' (Balloon Flower) is a compact herbaceous perennial which produces an abundance of bell-shaped, flaring, deep blue flowers, up to 2.5 in. across (6 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. Adaptable, long-lived and easy of care, this Balloon Flower is perfect for cut flowers, containers, or the garden.
- Grows up to 20 in. tall (50 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 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 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 | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
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, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | 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 | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
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, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |