The old-fashioned balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus, packages party favors – bells, balloons and stars – into every bud. The hardy ornamental perennial is named for the inflated balloon flower buds. As the buds grow, they inflate like an origami balloon. The balloon unfolds into a five-star bellflower in colors of blue, purple, pink or white.
Bellflower Family
Balloon flowers are bellflower family members, Campanulaceae. The Asian native is also called the Chinese bellflower or Japanese bellflower. Like close kin they exude a white milky sap when buds or stems are pinched and bear bisexual, scentless flowers with petals fused to form a five-lobed corolla, single or double. Simple leaves alternate up their stems.
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Most balloon flowers are slow to erupt in spring and are often interplanted with spring bulbs to mark their location. Once balloon flowers surface, rapid growth makes up for lost time. Standard tall cultivars reach 36-50 inches in height. Dwarf specimens range from12-24 inches in height.
They thrive in full sun to light shade and most well-drained soils in hardiness zones 3-8. They tolerate acid or alkaline soils. Balloon flowers are heat, drought, and cold tolerant.
Since flowers are borne at the tip of stems in clusters, tall stemmed varieties may need support. Dwarf cultivars were introduced for containers, rock gardens and low borders.
Insects and diseases stay clear of balloon flowers but deer do browse on stems and flowers.
The clump-forming perennial perpetuates itself by self-seeding. Deadheading is advised to thwart reseeding but also to extend bloom time.
Gardeners propagate the plant from spring cuttings or seed. Division is difficult to do because of the fleshy tap root.
Balloon flower’s dependable floral displays throughout the summer into fall add color and texture between evergreen shrubs or to mixed perennial borders. They are a favorite in cottage gardens too. Deadheading is all that is needed to keep them tidy.
Traditional Chinese medicine considers the herb to have medicinal properties. In Japan the balloon flower is one of seven flowers of an ancient autumn festival.
They make excellent cut flowers. They are also conversation plants for both adults and children. Pique the interest of children by having them watch or contribute to the grand opening of buds. The swelling bud which is the developing corolla becomes turgid just prior to opening. Pinching the turgid bud can pop it open.
Feature the party favors from perennial balloon flowers at your next garden party.
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