Overview

Platycodon grandiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Platycodon, part of the Campanulaceae family. Platycodon grandiflora grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and containers. It is native to East Asia.

About

Platycodon grandiflora is a herbaceous perennial in the Campanulaceae, notable for its inflated, balloon-like flower buds that swell before opening. The buds split to reveal five-petalled, bell-shaped flowers in purple or white. Flowering occurs in the UK from July to September. Leaves are dark green and form a basal to mid-height clump.

About the genus

Platycodon grandiflorus is a species of herbaceous flowering perennial plant of the family Campanulaceae, and the only member of the genus Platycodon. It is native to East Asia. It is commonly known as balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, or platycodon.

Wikipedia contributors, "Platycodon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Platycodon

In the garden

Platycodon grandiflora is a herbaceous perennial native to East Asia and the sole species in its genus within the Campanulaceae. It is best known for its distinctive swollen flower buds that expand like small balloons before unfurling into five-petalled bell-shaped blooms in purple or white. In the UK it flowers from July to September. Select a site that mirrors the plant’s natural open habitats: a well-drained position with good light, from full sun to partial shade, helps produce reliable flowering and healthy foliage. Avoid waterlogged ground. Plants perform well with moderate soil fertility; heavy feeding or very rich soils can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Mature clumps benefit from lifting and dividing if they decline in the centre. Use Platycodon grandiflora in the middle of mixed borders, against gravels or in containers where the balloon buds can be appreciated at eye level. The inflated buds give architectural interest before the flowers open, and the bell-shaped blooms provide a late-summer sequence in mixed plantings. Allow some stems to remain uncut while the buds develop to enjoy that distinctive pre-flowering display.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Platycodon

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Aspect

south, east

Exposure

sheltered to moderate wind

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Platycodon grandiflora size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

herbaceous perennial

Suggested uses

borders, rock gardens, containers

Native to

East Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Platycodon grandiflora

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded position. Avoid waterlogged conditions.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering to tidy.

Propagation

Seed, division, cuttings

Frequently asked questions