Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflora)

Light:

Full sun to part shade

Flowering:

Summer. Deadheading will prolong bloom period.

Soil:

Not fussy as long as not poorly drained

Height:

18 to 30 inches

Color:

Blue

Hardiness:

Very hardy. Zone 3.

Uses:

Mixed borders. cut flower

Care:

Easy and long lived. Late to emerge in the spring. Division not needed and somewhat difficult.

Native:

No

Comments:

This is an old-time favorite. Star-shaped blue flowers appear in July and August on plants about 20 inches tall. They are ideal for the middle of the border. Their later bloom period is a plus in the perennial border. Balloon flowers are somewhat slow to get started but once established, they will last a lifetime.

Balloon flowers are somewhat slow to show in the spring. It may be wise to mark the plants overwinter so they are not damaged with spring cleaning and cultivation. Space balloon flowers about 15 inches apart. Division is generally not needed but can be used as a means of increase.