Blue, purple, pink, or white bells, balloons, and stars are packaged in each flower of Platycodon grandiflorus, the old–fashioned balloon flower. The hardy ornamental perennial is named for the flower buds. As balloon–shaped buds grow, they inflate until they unfold like an origami floral bell cut into a pentagram or five–pointed star.

Balloon flowers are in the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. Like other family members they exude a white milky sap when buds or stems are pinched and bear scentless flowers with petals fused to form a five–lobed corolla, single or double.

My balloon flowers are slow to erupt in spring, but once they appear, the cultivars reach 36–50 inches in height. Mine thrive in light shade and sandy acidic soil, but the species are suited for full–sun and alkaline soil as well. Flowers are borne at the tip of stems in clusters. One shortcoming of tall stemmed varieties is the tendency to lean so staking is often necessary. Dwarf cultivars have been introduced to remedy the problem. Balloon flowers can be grown in hardiness zones 3–8.

Flowers are borne in clusters at the tip of tall green stems. The plant, an Asian native, may be found under the common name Chinese bellflower or Japanese bellflower. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the herb to have medicinal properties. In Japan the balloon flower is one of seven flowers of an ancient autumn festival.

The clump–forming perennial perpetuates itself by self–seeding. Gardeners propagate the plant from spring cuttings or seed. Division is rarely necessary and not easy to do because of the plant’s tap root.

I admire the balloon flower’s dependable abundance of floral displays throughout the summer into fall and the carefree nature of this perennial. I’ve tucked some between shrubs while others adorn a mixed perennial border. They are a favorite in cottage gardens too. Deadheading is about all that is needed to keep them tidy. Balloon flowers are not plagued by insects or diseases.

White single–flowered cultivar ‘Albus’ They make interesting cut flowers for the dining table and are conversation plants for both adults and children. Guests will be delighted watching the grand opening of buds. The swelling bud which is the developing corolla becomes turgid just prior to opening. Touching the turgid bud can cause it to pop open.

This stalwart party favor perennial can become the life of the party in your garden.
The balloon flower bud resembles an origami balloon.
Balloon flowers make excellent cut flowers.
One can get lost in the veining pattern of this exquisite double–corolla balloon flower.
Balloon flower is named for the inflated buds.