Balloon flowers get their name from the unopened buds, which swell up prior to opening and resemble little hot-air balloons. The opened flowers resemble bellflowers. While most often deep blue or purple, white and pink varieties are also available.
Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are often grown for their whimsical flower buds, but this plant is one tough cookie. The balloon flower is part of the easy growing Bellflower/Campanula family, and you will notice the resemblance right away. The botanical name means "broad bell," but the open flower is really more of a star shape. However, it's the puffy bud that intrigues gardeners and entices them to grow this plant and that gives it its common name of "balloon flower.” Balloon flowers are long-lived perennials that rarely need dividing and are deer-resistant.
Does best when allowed to dry out between watering. During winter, cut watering in half and then reinstate when spring growth begins.
Partial sun generally means less than six and more than four hours of sun per day. Plants for partial sun will do well in a location where they receive a break from the sun each day. They like the sun but will not tolerate a full day of it and need at least some shade each day.
Simply apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, extending to the drip line. For vegetables, place the fertilizer in a strip parallel to the planting row. Water-soluble fertilizers are faster acting but must be applied more frequently. This method gives plants food while you water.
Houseplants should typically be pruned at the beginning of the growing season, which is late winter or early spring for many varieties.
You can try making divisions, but the root system is dense and chunky, with a long taproot and doesn't really like being disturbed. To propagate by division, instead of digging up the whole plant, slice a piece of the plant off with a sharp knife. Make sure you get at least a ½ inch piece of the root. Pot it up and keep it moist. If you plan on trying to divide, do it early in the season, when the plants are small, and expect them to take a season or two to start blooming again.
Ballon flowers enjoy 60-80F but can also withstand higher temperatures if they have some shade in the afternoon. They are also tolerant of humidity.
Ceramic pots are the most popular type of containers for houseplants today. You'll find them in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes. At one time, the clay pot was the most common container for indoor plants. When choosing a pot, choose a pot that is 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) larger than the current size.
