Balloon Flower: A Perennial with Playful Buds

A gardener wanted to identify a flower that appeared with their house purchase. It was balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), named for the way buds swell like blue balloons before opening. A 2-foot perennial for full sun to part shade, it prefers rich, organic soil and is slow to emerge in spring—mark its location to avoid accidental digging. Blooms start in July.

Growing Tips:

• Well-drained, compost-rich soil.
• Full sun to light shade.
• Mark clumps in fall; late spring emergence.
• Deadhead to prolong bloom.
• Divide rarely; deep taproot resents disturbance.

A charming, low-maintenance perennial for mid-summer color.