Balloon flower Platycodon grandiflorus
Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Campanulaceae family, native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East). It grows 40–80 cm (16–31 in) tall and 30–50 cm (12–20 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Balloon flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Mature height | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: roots (doraji), young shoots |
| Native to | East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Russian Far East) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China |
Is Balloon flower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Roots are a traditional Korean and Chinese food; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Balloon flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Balloon flower
- How far apart should I plant Balloon flower?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–50 cm (12–20 in).
- Does Balloon flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Balloon flower need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Balloon flower?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Balloon flower flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Balloon flower poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Roots are a traditional Korean and Chinese food; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with Balloon flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Balloon flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Late to emerge in spring; mark the position. Deep taproot dislikes disturbance.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Canterbury bells Campanula medium
- Edging lobelia Lobelia erinus
- Fairy's thimble Campanula cochleariifolia
- Deodeok (bonnet bellflower) Codonopsis lanceolata
- Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Dwarf grassy bells (edraianthus) Edraianthus pumilio
- Dalmatian bellflower (wall bellflower) Campanula portenschlagiana