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The balloon flowers is a lovely plant that gets its name from its balloon-like buds. These flowers are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any garden and are relatively easy to care for. Plastic flowers will bloom from late summer through early fall with proper care.
Read on to learn more about a plant, grow, and care for balloon flowers.
Platycodon Grandiflorus
Balloon flowers (Platycodon Grandiflorus) are a perennial plant members of the Campanulaceae family. Balloon flowers are native to East Asia and can be found in China, Japan, and Korea. The balloon flower gets its name from its balloon-like buds that open up into star-shaped flowers.
These flowers are hardy plants that are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardens. This flower is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows about 1-2 feet tall. The leaves of balloon flowers are lanceolate-shaped and are arranged in a rosette pattern.
Cultivation
The cultivation of these flowers is not difficult. They are relatively easy to grow and require little maintenance. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are not drought tolerant, so water them regularly during dry spells. They are also susceptible to root rot, so make sure the soil is not too wet.
Propagation
There are two ways in which flowers can propagate, these are.
Propagating From Seed
Propagation from seed is the most common method of growing these flowers. The seeds are tiny, so it’s best to start them indoors in a sterile seed-starting mix. To plant, press the seeds into the mixture and keep them moist. They will germinate in 10-21 days. Once they have sprouted, you can transplant them outdoors.
Propagating from Cuttings
The cuttings can be taken from the tips of the stems in early to mid-summer. Be sure to take several cuttings from different parts of the plant to ensure that you have a good variety. To propagate your flower from cutting:
- Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to snip off a 4-6 inch section of stem.
- Cut just below a leaf node, the point on the stem where leaves are attached.
- Make sure your cutting has at least 2-3 leaves.
- Once your balloon flower is cut, remove the bottom set of leaves so that you are left with a bare stem.
- Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone and then plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
- Be sure to keep the cutting moist and warm until it has rooted, which can take 4-8 weeks.
- Once your balloon flower cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into your garden.
Planting
In planting, it is best to start with young plants. You can either purchase them from a nursery or grow them from seed.
Planting in Pots
To plant in pots:
- Use a rich potting mix and a pool with drainage holes.
- Water the soil thoroughly before planting, and then plant the balloon flowers at the same depth they were growing in their previous pots.
- After planting, water the ground again and place the pot in a sunny location.
How to Grow and Care
You’re in luck if you’re looking for these flowering plants (Platycodon grandiflorus). These beautiful blooms are easy to grow and care for and make a great addition to any garden.
Here are some tips on how to grow and care for your flowers.
Light
Consider the number of light the flowers needed when deciding where to plant them in your garden. They prefer full sun to partial shade, which means they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
However, they can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer climates. They also do well in containers placed in sunny locations.
Water
They need to be watered regularly, especially when they are first planted. Check the soil often and water it when it is dry. Once they are established, they will need less water. This flower is tolerant of drought conditions.
Soil
The soil of this flower prefers a well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline, and rich in organic matter. Balloon flowers are not drought tolerant, so make sure the soil is moist but not soggy. You can improve drainage by mixing in some sand.
Climate and Temperature
The climate and temperature in which balloon flowers grow best are relatively calm and moist. They are not tolerant of heat and humidity, so if you live in an area with hot summers, it’s best to plant them in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.
Balloon flowers also prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with some compost or peat moss before planting.
Fertilizing
The fertilizer used for balloon flowers should be rich in phosphorus. This will help the plant to produce more flowers. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the blooming season.
To encourage new growth, balloon flowers can be lightly pruned after they have bloomed. Pinching off the dead blossoms will also help to promote new growth. Balloon flowers are not heavy feeders, so they do not need to be fertilized more than once a month.
Spacing
The spacing for this flower is 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). It is needed, so the balloon flowers have room to grow.
Season
The best season to plant balloon flowers is spring, after the last frost. Balloon flowers need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This flower blooms in mid to late summer.
Varieties
There are wide varieties of balloon flowers, but the most common is Platycodon grandiflorus. This variety is native to China and Japan and has been cultivated for centuries. It is also the most popular balloon flower in the West.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Albus’ – This variety has white flowers and is one of the most popular balloon flowers in the West.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Astra’ – This variety has blue flowers and is very popular in China.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Fuji Blue’ – This variety has blue flowers and is named after Mount Fuji in Japan.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Haru no Uso’ – This variety has white flowers and is named after the Japanese word for “spring”.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Komachi’ – This variety has pink flowers and is named after a famous Japanese poet.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Murasaki Shikibu’ – This variety has purple flowers and is named after a famous Japanese novelist.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Setsubun’ – This variety has red flowers and is named after the Japanese holiday.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Shirogane’ – This variety has white flowers and is one of China’s most popular balloon flowers.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Yuki no Bosha’ – This variety has white flowers and is named after a famous Japanese sake brewery.
- P. grandiflorus ‘Yuko’ – This variety has pink flowers and is named after a famous Japanese actress.
Pest and Diseases
The pest and diseases found in balloon flowers are slugs, caterpillars, rust, and foliar nematodes. These balloon flowers are also susceptible to fungal root rots in poorly drained soils.
If the balloon flower plant leaves turn yellow, this is a sign of rust infection. To prevent rust from developing on your balloon flowers, make sure to water the plants at the base instead of from above.
Slugs and snails are common pests of balloon flowers. These pests are attracted to the moist, excellent conditions often found around these plants. You can use baits, traps, or approved pesticides to control slugs and snails. You can also try to remove them by hand when you see them.
Plant Uses
The plant can be used as a medicine and has been used in the treatment of respiratory problems such as bronchitis, coughs, and sore throats. Some use the plant to treat stomach aches, while others apply it topically to bruises and wounds.
Final Thoughts
Balloon flowers are a great choice if you want a beautiful, unique flower to add to your garden. They are relatively easy to grow and care for and make an excellent addition to any outdoor space.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start planting balloon flowers today! Your garden will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Flower
Are Balloon Flowers Hardy?
Yes, balloon flowers are very hardy. They can withstand cold temperatures and will bloom year after year with proper care.
What Can I Plant with Balloon Flowers?
If you’re looking for a plant to pair with balloon flowers, consider something that will compliment the blue or white blooms. Good choices include plants with yellow flowers (such as black-eyed Susans or daylilies), lavender, or silver foliage (such as artemisia). Balloon flowers also look lovely planted next to taller grasses or phlox.
Will the Flowers Rebloom?
Balloon flowers will rebloom if they are deadheaded after the first bloom. If you don’t deadhead, the plant will still produce seeds but won’t have as many flowers. Balloon flowers need full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Should I Deadhead Balloon Flowers?
Deadheading is a must if you want your balloon flowers to bloom again. To do this, cut the flower stem to the first set of leaves below the spent bloom.
Balloon flowers are drought tolerant, so wait until the blooms are dehydrated before cutting them back. Doing this will encourage your plant to produce more flowers.
Do balloon flowers come back every year?
Yes! Balloon flowers come back every year and they are perennial, so they will come back year after year. They are easy to care for plants and do their best in full sun or partial shade.
Balloon flowers get their name from the balloon-like shape of their blooms, which can be purple, pink, white, or blue. They grow best in well-drained soil and make excellent additions to garden borders or containers.
Are balloon flowers easy to grow?
Yes, balloon flowers are easy to grow. They do best in full sun but can also tolerate part of shade. They like moist soil but will also grow in drier soils. They make a great addition to any garden and are especially pretty when planted in clusters.
How do balloon flowers spread?
Balloon flowers (Assyriopteris evecta) are a type of fern that spreads by sending out underground stems called rhizomes. New plants grow from the tips of the rhizomes, and these new plants will also send out their own rhizomes, which will in turn produce more new plants. This is how balloon flowers can form large colonies over time.
Do balloon flowers do well in pots?
Yes, balloon flowers do well in pots. They enjoy full sun to part shade and prefer moist but well-drained soil. Make sure to fertilize them regularly for the best results.
Why are my balloon flowers dying?
It sounds like your plants may be reaching the end of their life cycle. When a plant is done blooming, the petals will start to turn brown and the stem will become weak. At this point, it’s best to cut the flower off the plant and compost it.
If you’re seeing this happening to more than one balloon flower, it may be because you’re fertilizing them too much. Over-fertilization can cause a plant to grow too quickly, which will eventually lead to its death. Try cutting back on the amount of fertilizer you’re using, and make sure you’re watering your plants deeply but infrequently. This will help them become stronger and more resistant to disease.
Are balloon plants poisonous to dogs?
Yes, balloon plants are poisonous to dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and tongue, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog consumes any part of a balloon plant, contact your veterinarian immediately.
