Platycodon grandiflorus aka Balloon Flower

Taxonomy

Genus Platycodon Family Campanulaceae Order Asterales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Platycodon grandiflorus, also known as balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, or platycodon, is a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant from East Asia. It is the only member of the genus Platycodon and is native to China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East. The plant typically grows in mountainous areas and fields, with dark green leaves and delicate blue flowers that resemble small lanterns when fully bloomed. The unopened flower buds of the Platycodon grandiflorus plant are often referred to as balloons due to their bulbous shape. There are also varieties with pink, purple, and white petals, with the latter being most commonly found in Korea. The name Platycodon means "flat bell" in Ancient Greek, referring to the shape of the flowers. Platycodon grandiflorus is easy to grow from seed and thrives in full sun to partial shade with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The plant has a strong rhizome and thin, fragile stems with a bluish tint, and blooms from mid-summer for over 20 days.

Common names

Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower, Platycodon

How to care for Balloon Flower

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Balloon Flower, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Balloon Flower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Balloon Flower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Balloon Flower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Chinese Bellflower is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Growth-pattern

The Balloon Flower displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.

Region of origin

Balloon Flower’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

More info:
Wikipedia