Balloon Flower

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a perennial known for its unopened buds, which look like small hot air balloons. The name Platycodon means flat bell, which describes the open flowers. The plant comes from China, Korea, Japan and Russia and typically grows about 1 to 2 feet (30 to 61 cm) tall.

Sow seed in spring, either in pots or in place in the garden. Seed is an easy way to start this plant, but it is slow to establish. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade with loamy, well-drained soil that stays reliably moist.

Division and transplanting are hard because the root system is fragile. Plants often come up late in spring, so mark where you planted to avoid damaging them during early garden work.

Deadhead spent flowers to prolong the bloom season. Tall cultivars may need staking, and the plant may need support and does not like disturbance. It rarely needs division. Cut the plant back to the base in autumn.

Slugs and snails may attack the plant. The plant is generally disease-free. Slow emergence in spring is normal and is not a sign that the plant has died.