PLATYCODON grandiflorus

Balloon Flower

____________________________________

Type:

Perennial
Height: 6"-2' (12-60cm)
Flowering Time: Summer
Flower Colour: Blue, white, pink
____________________________________

Botanical Classification:

Class:

Angiospermae (Angiosperms)
Subclass: Dicotyledonae (Dicotyledons)
Superorder: Asteridae (Daisy Superorder)
Order: Campanulales (Bellflower Order)
Family: Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family)
Genus: Platycodon (Balloon Flower)
Species: grandiflorus (large-flowered)
____________________________________
Platycodon grandiflorus

Platycodon grandiflorus is called Balloon Flower because its buds expand to form a hollow balloon before opening to form a starry cup around 3" across. It is a perennial reaching a foot or more high, with bluish leaves along trailing stems, and it is now becoming popular for hanging baskets. Like most members of the Bellflower family, flowers are most usually some shade of blue, but may also be white or pink.

____________________________________

Harvesting and Growing from Seed:

Germination:

Winter
Inside
(9-21 days)

Seed Pod The seed pod is pointed, with a long spike.

Seed The seeds are small, black, shiny drops. There are many seeds in a seedpod.

Seedling The seedling has fat, heart-shaped leaves.

(You can check the meaning of any technical terms new to you in the Botany section of the site)

Back to Plant Profiles Main Page