About
This herbaceous perennial to 45cm tall, with blue-green lance-shaped leaves and violet-blue flowers 5cm wide, opening from balloon-like buds in late summer.
About the genus
Platycodon are herbaceous perennials with neat, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of open bell-shaped flowers which open from large, balloon-shaped buds in late summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, light, fertile, loamy, reliably moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support; resents disturbance
PruningCut back to the base in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed in pots or in situ in spring; cultivars may not come true from seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free