How to grow Balloon Flower?

Balloon flower, scientifically known as Platycodon grandiflorus, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Campanulaceae. It is native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. The plant is commonly grown for its attractive balloon-like buds, which burst open to reveal star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, pink, or white. The name “balloon flower” is derived from the unique balloon-shaped buds before they unfurl. Know more about this flower from our guide.

 

Balloon Flower: Key facts

 

Botanical name	Platycodon grandiflorus
Common names	Balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower
Plant type	Perennial
Native range	East Asia (China, Korea, Japan)
Height	Typically 1 to 3 foot tall, though some varieties can reach up to 4 foot.
Flower colours	Blue, pink, white
Blooming season	Summer to early fall
Unique features	Balloon-like buds that open into star-shaped flowers. Toothed, ovate leaves. Deep taproot, making the plant somewhat drought-tolerant.
Growing conditions	Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Balloon flowers can adapt to various soil types. Watering: Moderately drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is beneficial.
Hardiness zone	Depending on the variety, balloon flowers are typically hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.

 

Balloon Flower: Characteristics

• Plant structure: They are herbaceous balloon flowers that wilt in winter but reemerge during spring. It is commonly bushy and forms a basal rosette of leaves producing flowering stems.
• Foliage: They have slightly pointed teeth, toothed leaves ovate, with a mild serrated edge. It has medium-dark green leaves.
• Flower buds: Such unusual traits include the balloon buds that later develop into a flower. They have an inflated shape, which explains their common name as balloon flower and are attached to stems.
• Flowers: Flowers are star-shaped having five protruding petals. Flowers typically come in shades of blue, pink, and white. The flowers are about 2-3 inches across. In various regions and varieties, the bloom time occurs between late spring and early fall.
• Height and spread: Generally, balloon flowers are approximately 3 – 4 feet tall although some varieties grow as high as 5 feet tall. Clumps form slowly and tend to be slow-spreading.
• Root system: The balloon flower has a deep tap root that can allow it to be more drought-resistant once established. Transplantation, however, should not cause undue disruption of the roots.
• Growing conditions:

1. Sunlight: The plant should be grown in a sunny area, though it can withstand some shading.
2. Soil: This must be well-draining soils adaptable to different soil compositions.
3. Watering: Although they generally tolerate some drought, keeping them well-watered is a good idea, particularly in dry spells.

• Lifespan: Balloon flowers are long-lived perennials that will only survive if properly cared for.

 

Balloon Flower: How to grow?

• The best place to plant balloon plants is in the sun or partial shade, on rich loamy, and well-drained soil. 
• Sow plant seeds or young plants in autumn spaced well apart. 
• Water frequently, especially in dry periods, but do not over-irrigate. 
• The plant is adaptive to many kinds of soils. 
• Apply mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and keep down the weeds.
• Deadheading spent flowers to extend bloom. 
• The plant is also easy to maintain as it has a deep and strong taproot that makes it almost tolerant of drought. 
• Perform subdivision every few years to conserve vigour. Watch for slugs and snails. 
• Look out for the beautiful flowering period of these peculiar globe buds turning into pretty stellar blossoms between the months of late spring and autumn.

 

Balloon Flower: Care tips

• The plant should be planted in an area getting full to half-light. They love full sun but tolerate a little bit of shade.
• Ensure well-draining soil. However, balloon flowers do not like their soil too soggy.
• Regularly water, especially during drought seasons. This ensures healthy growth and good bloom when well-watered regularly.
• Cover the surrounding soil with mulch to keep water in, control temperatures, and prevent weed growth.
• Also, don’t forget to remove spent flowers as you proceed with growing plants so that they continue to flower through the season.
• Rejuvenate the plants and keep the vigour alive by dividing clumps of them during the spring or the fall, after a few years.
• In turn, balloon flowers do not require much input from fertilisers, although one could add a balanced fertiliser application during the spring for their healthy growth.
• Provide support in places with strong winds or heavy rains so that there is protection of the stems against bending or breakage.
• Prune off the dead and damaged stems before late fall or the onset of spring for an excellent finish.
• Watch out for slugs and snails who sometimes come to the attraction of balloon flowers.
• Mulch should be applied in cold climates for winter protection, and insulation for the roots in autumn.

 

Balloon Flowers: Pests and diseases

• Pests

Slugs and Snails

These are some very common garden pests that can affect the shoots of young plants or flowers. Instead of resorting to poisonous chemicals to control the slugs and snails that could eat your balloon flowers, use more organic methods like using a trap filled with beer or diatomaceous earth.

Aphids

Sometimes, they could even encounter aphids as a problem. Spray the aphids with a lot of water or use insecticidal soap for management.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles can also feed on balloon flowers in some areas. Use either trapping or handpicking of beetles to control their numbers.

• Diseases

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a common problem with balloon flowers, especially when the weather is humid. Ensure there is adequate ventilation, do not use overhead sprays, and make use of fungicidal sprays, where possible.

Root Rot

The condition of the wet soil can cause root rot. Proper drainage and water restrictions to prevent this fungal disease.

Leaf Spot

These can be leaf spot diseases resulting in dark spots on a leaf. Dispose of infected plants and use fungicides if necessary.

General tips for pest and disease management

• Regular inspection:

Check them frequently for indications of pests and/or diseases. Prompt intervention becomes possible through early detection of problems.

• Proper spacing:

Balloon plants should be placed in such a manner that there is enough room for proper airflow. This would decrease their exposure to fungal diseases.

• Watering practices:

Water is to be applied at the base to prevent wetting of the leaves. Water only directly at a plant’s base, not overhead when possible, to prevent the onset of ailments such as fungus.

• Healthy soil:

Adequate drainage, not waterlogging is also a condition that goes hand in hand with having healthy roots.

• Natural predators:

Promote the use of predators like ladybugs and lacewings, which eat aphids and similar pests.

 

Balloon Flower: Yield 

This type of flower is grown mainly to decorate a house, rather than cultivating it for an economic end. These hardy perennials have lovely little flowering stars in light blues, lavenders, and whites that attract a lot of butterflies, making gardens look great. Although they are not food-bearing plants, their profuse flowering brings about an attractive display from late spring till autumn. Here, “yield” implies the visual and decoration benefits as opposed to something consumable like a plant. Make sure that your flowers are properly cared for in good amounts of sunlight, well-drained soil, frequent water, and occasional divisions to keep the plant healthy and full of life. This would guarantee you beautiful and admirable flowers and also give you the beauty of your garden.

See also: How to grow Statice?

Balloon Flower: Uses and benefits 

Balloon flowers are beautiful, and they also have some medical applications. Their showy balloon or star-shaped flowers beautify gardens. Some parts of this plant in traditional Chinese medicine have been claimed to possess some health benefits such as respiratory benefits and anti-inflammation. The balloon-shaped flowers can also be inserted in flower arrangements due to their special shape. While these rugged perennials may look pretty, they are also quite adaptable and easy to maintain. Balloon flower is both a landscape adornment and a source of herbal remedies with the added attraction of possible holism.

 

Balloon Flower: Toxicity

Balloon flowers pose little danger to people and their pet animals since they are considered harmless plants. Generally safe but individual reactions may differ. Washing hands after touching would be helpful as sensitives. Control your pets around the plants, and call the vet in case of ingestion. While balloon flowers are generally safe for most people, they do provide a wonderful feature in many gardens without much of a threat.

 

FAQs

When do I grow balloon flowers?

Balloon flowers can be planted in the spring after the last frost, but they also do well if you plant them in the fall.

How frequently should one water balloon flowers?

Ensure a steady supply of water, particularly in times of drought, water uniformly, ensuring the soil is equally moist.

Can balloon flowers tolerate shade?

It is necessary to mention that the balloon flowers are like full sun but can stand a little shade.

What is the process of deadheading a balloon flower?

Deadhead, that is remove spent flowers to achieve rebloom removing spent flowers by pinching or cutting them close to the base.

Are balloon flowers invasive?

No, balloon flowers are not viewed as an invasive plant, nor is their spread excessive.

Do balloon flowers attract pests?

In rare cases, you can attract slugs and snails. Take measures towards that if necessary.

Do you have experience of growing daisies in pots?

Yes, when the plant is container-grown, it requires deep and draining soils and plenty of room.

Are balloon flowers deer-resistant?

Balloon flowers are usually bitter and therefore, the deer tend not to eat them.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com