Balloon Flower

This is one of my favorite flowering plants. When we were at the nursery pointing out our landscaping preferences, this little beauty grabbed my attention. When it first begins to flower, a pale green balloon appears at the end of the stem. It eventually turns to purple and then bursts open into the star shape seen in the photograph below. To see the balloon and the other anomalies with one of my plants, stop by my photography blog – just click the “Picture This” tab at the top of the page.

Without further ado, I present the Balloon Flower

Category	Perennial
Common Name	Balloon Flower Chinese Bell Flower Campanulaceae
Formal Name	Platycodon grandiflorus
Description	This heavy bloomer gets its name from the way each flower bud swells before its starry petals unfold. As one of the easiest perennials to grow, they bloom in profusion in mid to late summer, when many other perennials are beginning to fade.

Uses	Borders Containers
Light Requirements	Full Sun Partial Sun Partial Shade
Soil Requirements	Well drained, slightly acidic
Water Requirements	Moderate drought conditions are ok, but deep watering is preferred.
Height	12” – up to 36” Generally smaller than 36”
Spread	12”
Growing Zone	3 – 8
Manicuring or Pruning	Remove dead branches in early spring. Balloon flowers are late bloomers, coming up long after most other perennials have begun growing. It is best to mark their position so you do not accidentally pull them out as weeds. Pick dead flowers as they begin to fade to encourage more blooms. Be careful about it as the next bloom is coming in right behind it.
Fertilization	Slow-release in the Spring
Growth Cycle	Late Spring through frost
Bloom Time	Early summer through the next two months after the first blooms appear
Bloom Color	Purple (most common), White, Pink
Propagation	Seeds – germinate 2 –3 weeks at temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees, then plant in the fall. Will not flower in the first year. Basal cuttings from non flowering shoots, with about 1/2” root attached. Push soil back to reveal the spot where the stem meets the root. Cutting should be 2” – 4” long. Dividing – dig deep to to avoid root damage – not the preferred method
Maintenance Level	Low
Special Features	Drought tolerant once established
Known Issues	Generally pest-free & easy to grow
Planting Instructions	From seed: Press lightly into soil, but do not cover. From cuttings: Immediately plant in a good potting medium.