 in the Campanulaceae, notable for its inflated, balloon-like flower 

 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.

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.

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.

Balloon Flower Platycodon grandiflora produces balloon-like buds and purple or white bell flowers from July to September.

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