Overview
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' is a perennial in the genus Platycodon, part of the Campanulaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to East Asia.
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 grandiflorus 'Mariesii' originates from East Asia and belongs to the Campanulaceae family. As a herbaceous perennial it forms a compact clump roughly 0.5 m tall and produces its summer display between July and September. Give it full sun and a soil that holds moisture yet drains freely; it adapts to sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are not waterlogged. The cultivar is rated H7 for the UK, which means it is fully hardy through typical UK winters (USDA zones 4–9). Position plants where roots remain cool and damp rather than baking hot and dry. Its modest height makes 'Mariesii' useful at the front of mixed perennial borders, in gravel or rock gardens where a low, upright accent is wanted, or in containers placed in sun. The flowers sit above the foliage and extend the summer border colour; watch the buds swell like balloons before the blooms open.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Platycodon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Native to
- East Asia
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii'?
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' prefers full sun.
What soil does Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' need?
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' grow?
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' hardy in the UK?
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Platycodon genus
- Platycodon grandifloraBalloon Flower
- Platycodon grandiflorusballoon flower
- Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mother of Pearl' ('Perlmutterschale')Balloon Flower