platycodon (balloon flower)

the genus platycodon belongs to the campanulaceae family and contains only one member: platycodon grandiflorus. the native to east asia plant is here in germany commonly known as balloon flower. ohter names: chinese/japanese bellflower.

from platycodon grandiflorus is a wide range of cultivars available, flowering in blue, pink, white or multicolored.

the ballon flower ist suitable for sunny to light shaded places. propagation can be done by seeds or division.

platycodon grandiflorus is flowering from june to september and can get over 60 centimeters in height.

the name ballon flower is based on the unopened flower buds which look like little balloons.