Balloon flowers test your patience, waiting for the bubble to pop, so most kids just squeeze the sides and 'pop' them open themselves. The translucent petals are charming with the sun shining through them.
It's easy to see that Platycodon is a relative of Campanula, the bell flowers. It needs pratically no care, other than cutting your flowers. Once established, it doesn't like to be moved or divided and seems to live forever.
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower) 'Double Blue' - (USDA Zones 3 - 9, 2-3' x 18", Blue, Pink or White Blooms: Repeat Bloomer)
Alternatives:
- Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue'
- Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' - A shorter, more compact plant.