Platycodon (Balloon Flower): Late-Emerging Perennial with Puff-Bud Charm

Patience Rewarded

Platycodon (plat-ee-KO-don) is notoriously slow to break dormancy in spring—mark its spot to avoid spearing the fleshy roots. Once up, it forms clumps of toothed leaves topped by inflated buds that pop open to starry blue, pink, or white bells.

Culture

• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Average garden soil; heavy soil slows establishment.
• South/West: Cut back after bloom and fertilize for a fall rebloom.