Platycodon grandiflorus - Flower,Herbaceous Plants,Perennial,Web page Navigation - Balloon-flower Page

Discover the enchanting Platycodon grandiflorus, or Balloon Flower, treasured by gardeners worldwide. This compact perennial exhibits a rich display of violet-blue star-shaped flowers, appearing from plump, balloon-like buds that add delight to any garden. The bloom of the Balloon Flower persists throughout the summer, complemented by its lance-shaped, vibrant blue-green foliage that turns to striking hues of purple and yellow in fall.
Appreciated for its adaptability, longevity, and easy care, it continuously enhances the summer garden with its charming blossom clusters. Standing proudly at 12-30 in. tall and 12-18 in. wide, it may need support and occasionally pruning to manage plant height.
Thriving best in light, fertile, and well-drained soils, this perennial can resist strong winds, diseases, and pests, even deer. Its vibrant presence adds great value to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, or containers, and is best admired when planted in groups. To prolong the bloom season, it's advisable to remove spent flowers.
The Balloon Flower's intriguing name comes from its unique unopened buds, which resemble hot air balloons. Growing easily from seeds, it thrives in slightly acidic well-drained soil with full sun to partial exposure. Notably, Platycodon grandiflorus has won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society, testament to it being an effortless yet impactful addition to any garden.