Platycodon grandiflorus

Inflated buds of pale purple-blue open into star-like pointed flowers on 18 inch stems on 12 inch wide plants. Its golden-yellow fall leaf color is of merit. Minimum temperature: -30°F

The flower buds are hollow balloons which inflate and burst open into blue star-shaped flowers.

Yay! This is the original 3’ tall species of “Balloon Flower” that’s so hard to find in these days of wanton dwarfing of our beloved cottage plants. Easy & reliably perennial, you can count on a lovely bright blue floral display from mid-Summer to October (especially with dead-heading). And it blooms like crazy - just when we are missing our blues! Bright glossy-green foliage on upright stems are topped by large 2-3” upward facing, flaring, vibrant, blue starry flowers that open from buds inflated like origami balloons. Quite awesome & the kids will love pinching them to make the mature buds “pop” open. Makes a good cut flower, especially if you burn the stem ends. Long used in Chinese medicine for coughs, colds & much more. Cut to ground in Winter. Rich, well drained soil for maximum beauty. Annual side-dress of compost in Spring. Deciduous but returns reliably each new season. Self sows.