Scientific Name Platycodon grandiflorus Common Name Balloon flower

Perennial Flowers Consumer Hort Index - Fact Sheets

Characteristics Season late spring to summer Height 12-36 inches Hardiness USDA Hardiness Zone 3-8 Flower Color blue, white Soil well drained, slightly acidic soil Exposure full sun to partial shade Propagation seed, division in spring North Carolina Regions Mountains, Piedmont, Coastal Plain Comments Balloon flower gets its common name from the unopened flower buds which resemble hot air balloons. Children love to grow this plant for the balloon-like buds which pop when squeezed. The name "Platycodon" means "flat bell", which aptly describes the opened flowers. Origin Asia

Prepared by: orginally by Alice B. Russell, retired Extension Specialist, NC State University
                     maintained and expanded by Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist, NC State University

Images: ©Alice B. Russell and Erv Evans

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