Platycodon grandiflorus Astra Double Blue (Balloon Flower)

Vigorous and floriferous, Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Double Blue’ (Balloon Flower) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial which produces an abundance of fully double, bell-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm). Resembling bellflowers (Campanula), they open from large, plump, balloon-like buds which almost beg to be popped.

Vigorous and floriferous, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue' (Balloon Flower) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial which produces an abundance of fully double, bell-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers, up to 3 in. across (7 cm). Resembling bellflowers (Campanula), they open from large, plump, balloon-like buds which almost beg to be popped. Blooming throughout summer, the upward facing blossoms are held singly or in small clusters atop upright, branched, leafy stems. Adaptable, long-lived and easy of care, this compact Balloon Flower is perfect for cut flowers, containers, or the garden.

  • Grows up to 8-10 in. tall (20-25 cm) and 6-10 in. wide (15-25 cm). Does not need staking.
  • Performs best in full sun or part shade, in light, fertile, loamy, reliably moist but well-drained soils. Avoid damp sites with heavy, waterlogged soils.
  • Virtually disease-free. Watch for slugs and snails. Deer resistant.
  • A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or containers. Plant in groups for stronger effect.
  • Deadheading spent flowers to prolong the bloom season. Cut back to the base in fall.
  • The stems emerge late in the spring and may be accidentally disturbed by impatient gardeners. Marking their location each fall would be a good idea.
  • Propagate by seed in pots or in situ in spring. This plant resents disturbance.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Platycodon – Balloon Flowers
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 8"
– 10"
(20cm
– 25cm)
Spread 6"
– 10"
(15cm
– 25cm)
Spacing 10″ (25cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage