Plants That Grow in Full Shade 11 Good Shade Plants to Grow Along a North-Facing Wall 15 Best Plants for Wet Areas Spruce Up Your Inbox! Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is one of those fun plants to grow in the garden with kids. I have 3 new white Astras, they want to fall over, are they supposed too. In addition, if it is an especially dry winter, you should water them occasionally. Also the seed packet said that the seed needed to stay at 20 C degrees, so I guess it can only stay by my window at day… Read more », Hi Margret – Balloon flower is generally grown outdoors, as it spreads by vigorous runners and often exceeds two feet in height. The leaves are turning yellow. But I've kept a variety of black-eyed Susans, beebalm, balloon flowers and phloxes. But i’m not really sure if my flower will succeed because I’m a starter at gardening but I hope it will! P. grandiflorus seeds need light to germinate, so place them on the surface of moist soil without covering them. Late fall or winter planting of seeds is a good idea, since the seeds like stratification. Here is more about what we do. The flowers have five lobes that have a thick rubbery texture and are arranged in the shape of a star around another star-shaped filament arrangement. amzn_assoc_title = "Balloon Flowers on Amazon"; na. It is one of the few blue flowers that gardeners can enjoy. Planting Balloon Flowers From Seed. I really don’t want these to get out of hand so I did cut them down and cleaned up last night. When properly cared for, most varieties of balloon flowers will grow to be about two feet tall and about one foot wide, though dwarf varieties tend to be about half that size. This is a hardy, pest- and disease-resistant cultivar. USDA Zone 3 (-40°F) to USDA Zone 9 (20°F) Light. Work the soil to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches, amending it as needed to achieve the appropriate pH and good drainage. Dwarf varieties won’t grow much taller than 1 foot high. 8. Is it possible for me to have one indoors from year to year? The plant prefers nutrient-rich, moist, well-drained, sandy soil, light, medium moisture, organically rich. They are fun to grow with children because kids love the hot air balloon shape and like to pop the flowers! I planted 5 small plants last fall here in Colorado zone 5 on the west side of the house and though they were slow to make an appearance this Spring I just was rewarded with my first blossom. amzn_assoc_linkid = "acf26312b6c961b517860def0b0be43d"; Sometimes perennials will stop flowering when they need division. Did I read correctly above that if I took the dead heads and pushed them in the ground they might root? Balloon Flower, or Platycodon grandiflorus, is also known as Chinese Bell flower. My homeowners’ association does not permit planting in the ground, so I would like to overwinter the plant as a houseplant. Hi Susan- This is a process called “hardening off.”. They don’t need much extra watering, although it does best if the soil gets regular moisture, and can take short periods of drought in stride. It does drop seeds that may take root, so allow ample room around it to accommodate this potential for additional growth. I have read about some 47-inch Komachis. You can also limit self-sowing by deadheading spent blossoms throughout the growing season, and/or removing all stems after blooming finishes and before seeds drop. Hi Sarah – It’s not the best choice for a hanging basket as the stems do not cascade. Companions that play well with P. grandiflorus include bee balm, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, daylily, and lily turf. The plant looks great as a border plant and is lovely in rock gardens. When they open up, they resemble star-like upturned bells. We’re glad you are enjoying balloon flower as a container plant on your deck. This herbaceous perennial is suitable for gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8. I bought a blooming plant. Maintain even moisture, but do not let the soil become waterlogged. I’ve read all the comments and answers but I’m not sure of the timing of pruning in “early spring” or half way through the summer. ‘Fuji Blue’ may also produce double blooms. Also, how far back should they be pruned? Suggested uses. Originally published March 19, 2019. By mid-summer, there may be a lull in flower production. Some have prominent veining of the petals. I read they do great with just afternoon sun. P. grandiflorus thrives in organically-rich, loamy soil that’s well-drained and moderately moist. A balloon.” “Well. Plants should bloom in the first year. In addition, pots may crack in the cold weather. Seeds will need two years to produce flowers. Classic balloon flowers produce 2-3" wide, periwinkle blue, white and pink, saucer shaped flowers that begin as balloon shaped buds that "pop" when squeezed. Hi Jennifer – Balloon flowers generally bloom throughout the summer. Maybe you have an amazing hybrid, or super-soil! I also have elephant plants. They exhibit above average drought tolerance, but in the event of a prolonged dry spell, water deeply once a week. Not picky on soil acidity, balloon flower plants will accept soils ranging from 5.6 to 7.5 pH. Find P. grandiflorus ‘Sentimental’ plants now from Nature Hills Nursery. Dwarf types are easy to grow in containers, rock gardens, and at the front of beds and borders, where a low, compact profile is appreciated. Vigorous and floriferous, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' (Balloon Flower) is a dwarf herbaceous perennial which produces an abundance of bell-shaped, flaring, vibrant blue flowers, up to 3 in. However, deadheading sometimes results in a fall re-bloom. In addition, pinching off spent blossoms, or deadheading, helps to control leggy growth. Remove spent blooms to extend flowering. The common names of this pretty perennial plant come from the plump found flower buds that resemble hot air balloons or Chinese lanterns before they open. These lavender-blue to white flowers have a thick rubbery texture and are 5 to 7 cm (2 to 3 inches) across. Flowering time is mid summer and the plant will keep flowering as long as you remember to dead head the spent flowers. If you don’t, they do tend to get leggy. I have a blue ballon flower plant that has increased in size since I planted it three years ago. Ask the kids to help you add this perennial gem to your outdoor living space. Create new balloon flower plants by dividing existing mature plants, or by collecting the seeds in the fall and planting them the next spring. Will you be planting P. grandiflorus in your garden this year? Plus, some shrubs like this Spirea bumalda 'Goldflame' produce both colorful flowers and foliage. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "thegarcoo-20"; You may plant nursery starts at any time during the growing season to ensure flowers in the second year. Dip the bare stem in powdered rooting hormone and then place it into a container of potting medium. Some folks try to divide P. grandiflorus. The three-inch blossoms are pale pink and have one row of petals. Use as a front border plant or in a cottage garden with other summer bloomers. In the spring, you can take soft cuttings of growing stem tips to root and plant out. Hi Kellie – Kids are fascinated by these plants and will typically pop them for sport by squeezing the sides, making them burst open with a soft, popping sound. After Reading your column I’m thinking that I need to put it in a larger pot so that the tap root can have more room. “A balloon flower,” my oldest confirmed. Sku #9289 Spherical in habit, like a balloon when in full bloom! Balloon flowers don’t need a lot of fertilizing, but adding some slow release fertilizer in the spring will help it to bounce back after flowering. At this time, some folks prune deeply to stimulate new growth. The balloon flower is a hardy plant that is able to grow in both dry climates as well as cold climates. We’ve moved to the woods near a lake in North central Texas, so I’m wondering if the deer are going to eat them. Choose a location with full sun and rich soil that drains well. An abundance of balloon flowers in bloom. Are there different techniques to enable flowering again after winter with an indoor potted Platycodon? And they make great cut flowers. You might want to put the pots into the ground with a layer of mulch over them, and take them up again in spring. Botanical name. Is there a time I can prune them so they are shorter by the time they bloom? This hardy and easy care perennial is one of my favorite summer blooming perennials. Perhaps try fertilizing it. Will the Playtcodon send runners into the grass? Striking deep blue flowers are a welcome addition to any perennial border or wildlife garden. Balloon flower is a not a fragile face in the crowd, but a sturdy-stemmed beauty that stands up to repeated deep pruning for a compact and manageable form. I received some balloon flowers as a gift . Would you suggest planting seeds now? However, many balloon flowers are cultivated hybrid varieties, and they are likely to produce results that differ from their parent plants. Seeds for balloon flowers are normally sown in spring. It is in a pot where it gets afternoon sun and has done well in Zone 7B, staying compact. The flowers have a diameter of three inches and a single row of blue petals. P. grandiflorus is not prone to problems with pests or disease, however, as I always say, your best defense is a healthy plant. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-grow-balloon-flowers-4125528 If you’re looking for something really unique for your mixed beds, borders, and containers, this plant is one to consider. It is a pretty hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. You can also prune in early spring, just as the new growth appears. They like regular watering and prefer a sunny spot. It asks little in the way of water once established, and while it loves to self-sow, well-chosen planting locations and adequate deadheading can minimize the effects of its exuberance. Variety. They are lance-shaped with serrated margins. When you transplant, dig a hole the same depth and width of the root ball, and be sure to keep the pot soil level even with the ground soil level. Water. Source: knoxilla . Plants & Flowers Get planting and care tips from Master Gardeners on every plant in your garden, from annual and perennial flowers to trees and shrubs. About 3 months ago I bought the balloon flower. In addition, at the end of the growing season, or early next spring, you may prune old growth to make way for new, creating a more compact size from the start. P. grandiflorus ‘Astra Double’ is a dwarf variety with a mature height of six to 12 inches and width of six to nine inches, making for a compact plant that is easy to manage. I’d love to have some white ones! If you choose to prune in early spring, take care not to damage emerging shoots. However, there are two issues you may have to deal with: “leggy” stems and self sowing. The plant will begin blooming during late July or early Au… Plant sizes vary. Balloon flowers are clump-forming plants that rarely exceed 0.8 metres (2.5 feet) in height. Also, don’t fertilize if your soil is especially rich, because too much nitrogen can cause legginess. The plant looks great as a border plant and is lovely in rock gardens. For both methods, maintain even moisture but avoid oversaturation while seeds germinate and plants become established in the garden. After it died back and night temperatures began to drop into low 40s, I brought into my garage (late October). The leaves are thick, and green to blue-green in color. The dark green leaves of the ballon plant and the vibrant yellow of sunflowers contrast beautifully. Daylilies also make good companion plants. The wider spread of this low-profile option makes it an especially good choice for border edging. Look for new shoots in spring, followed by flowers in summer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let’s take a look at each of the recommended propagation methods. Fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Find P. grandiflorus ‘Astra Double’ plants now from Nature Hills Nursery. Most commercially available Platycodon grandiflorus varieties are intended to grow outdoors, where they spread by vigorous runners and often exceed two feet in height. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. So glad to hear you’re having success! It jumped the bed and went into the grass (we just mow over it, but I would like to handle it properly). They’re very effortless, & I love the blue. Thanks for your help! Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Gravel, Rock. The ideal soil is organically-rich and loamy, with a pH that falls between about 5.5 to 7.5. In this article, you will learn how to grow and care for balloon flower in your landscape. I leave the plant outside during warmer non-rainy days but bring into garage at night as temperatures are in high 30s. Cultivated varieties include dwarf plants that are four to six inches tall and equally wide, as well as medium-sized specimens that measure 12 to 18 inches tall and wide. After pruning, you may clean your shears with a little mild dish detergent or rubbing alcohol to remove it. Sprout your seeds per package instructions in a good quality potting medium. Give them a few hours of fresh air and sunlight each day for about three to five days. You may stake balloon flowers that become leggy. The most desired color is blue, since there are so few garden flowers in this color, but Platycodon grandiflorus also comes in pure white, purple, and pink. Add a layer of mulch to aid in keeping them warm over the winter. It is one of the few blue flowers that gardeners can enjoy. It has gotten very “leggy” and the 10 stems look like intermingled snakes! Even thought the buds on this plant are rounded like Chinese lanterns or balloons, when the flowers pop open they form a pretty star like shape. Them! And if you can put it into the ground, even better. Balloon flower is a summer bloomer. Do you have any suggestions? Last updated: July 8, 2020. Fertilizing is optional. While balloon flower prefers rich loam, you might try adding a little humus or compost and some sand to your clay soil. Take care not to disturb the taproots during transplant. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. But currently they’re growing- just not up. Let us know in the comments section below, and feel free to share a picture! Alternatively, you may place plants directly into the garden in late spring or early summer. We’re glad you enjoyed the article. I have purchased my first balloon plant. If you want to give it a try, wait until spring, when the new shoots appear. I love my balloon flowers and deadhead them religiously but they stop blooming mid-summer. Sow seeds on the surface of moist soil so they have the light they need to germinate. In addition, if plants sit in puddles of water, they may be susceptible to root rot. Hello, l planted the beautiful blue ones today, l can’t wait for their show to amaze me, Hello, i just planted platycodon today and I’ve never really planted flowers before, is platycodon a bad starter flower? {{gwi:991686}} Rudbekia always looks good with daylilies too. lol. It is in a 6” pot and had lots of blooms. I have a balloon plant that the flowers will not open, they stay closed until it’s time to deadhead. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cultivation. For nursery starts, seedlings, and rooted cuttings, space plants to allow for their mature dimensions. Add lime to lower acidity, or sphagnum peat moss to increase it, as needed. Foliage is oval shaped with a complementary blue-green color. I grow these flowers in zone 5 and currently have a beautiful yes full of Will it grow out of control? Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Add to this their balloon-like buds and starry bell-shaped blooms, and you have a specimen that’s going to be noticed. Mix. Water it well, to help the soil cling to the roots. The inflated buds of balloon flowers are fun to pop. We are now heading into Winter & my plants are not looking great. Congratulations on your new house! Not sure this post is active. My balloon flowers, which I have grown for many years and never had a pest or disease, have blooms that were twisted and small and definitely diseased. I’m especially partial to the blue flowers because they are eye-catching for their color alone. They were listed as a top 10 perinneal for clay soil on another site? Similar to ‘Astra Double,’ P. grandiflorus ‘Astra Pink’ is also a compact plant that matures to a height of six to 12 inches, and a width of six to nine inches. A very common complaint about this plant is that the stems of tall varieties tend to get “leggy” and grow horizontally instead of vertically. Companion planting is a method of growing plants in a combination that will benefit both species. Side note: We have also started container gardening of husky grape tomatoes, zucchini, and carrots. When your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, thin them out to avoid overcrowding, keeping only the strongest. Maintain even moisture before and after transplanting. I love my balloon flowers but once they are 12-15 inches, the plants don’t stand up. Plant it at the same depth as the container in which it was growing. The blue varieties go especially well with the pale yellows of lilies, Ratibida and yarrow. Wow, Mark! Hello Helen – Is there any advice (I’m winging it here!) Plants grown from balloon flower seeds bloom first in their second year. It attracts butterflies and is a magnet for birds. Some of the best low-growing bloomers include azalea, viburnum, spirea, hydrangea, and potentilla. It is a perennial plant that can live for yea… There are both double and single varieties of the flower shape. I’m transplanting these. Thanks! – Pinch off and discard spent blossoms. The plant is a hardy perennial that has stalks that reach 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet) in height. Thank you. Let some of your flowers go to seed and drop onto the soil. Balloon flowers require a full sun to part shade location. Hi Nan…..just now ran across your article and found it very interesting…was wondering if you know what the milky substance is that forms when you dead head the flowers…it’s sticky and has a mild odor almost like the plant is bleeding…an curious and haven’t been able to find any info…thanks in advance…. The appearance of leaves is evidence of root growth. They can’t support the weight, I guess. There may be one or more blossoms on each upright stem. The main thing to be careful of is root rot which can happen if you over water the plant. Variations are possible as most cultivars are seed-grown, according to experts at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) earned its common name with its unusual, balloon-shaped flower buds, which pop open to reveal star-shaped flowers in … Further, companion planting could decrease the need for pesticides, attract pollinators, improve the soil, and increase your harvest. This hardy perennial is both cold and drought tolerant and grows well in zones 4-9 and possibly hardy in some zone 3 locations. Stem damage may inhibit new bud growth. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.". Genus Platycodon are herbaceous perennials with neat, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of open bell-shaped flowers which open from large, balloon-shaped buds in late summer Details P. grandiflorus is a compact herbaceous perennial to 60cm in height, with blue-green, lance-shaped leaves and large, balloon-like buds opening to wide cup-shaped violet-blue flowers 5cm across You’ve done a wonderful job with your balloon flowers. When you deadhead, take care to pinch off the spent flowers without damaging the stems. Mammoth Sunflowers with Balloon Plant. Disrupt plants as little as possible to avoid damaging the taproots. Do not cover them. Could it be nematodes in the ground? In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. – Keep the soil moist, but not dripping wet. Balloon Flower – Tips for Growing Platycodon grandiflorus. Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Product photos via Amazon, IB Prosperity, and Nature Hills Nursery. However, they are doing very well, thus far. Balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus, is a native of the Russian Far East, China, Japan, and Korea that has become a garden sensation in the United States. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Companions help … – Ensure that your plant is in optimal condition for blooming by applying an all-purpose, slow-acting granular fertilizer.… Read more ». I’ve read all I can find on the internet, all says flowers begins in Spring and Summer. Required fields are marked *. Chinese bell flower prefers a slightly acidic soil. Thank you. Gently slide your shovel underneath, and lift it out of the ground. You may also direct sow seeds outdoors after the last average spring frost date, or at any time during the growing season, but they may not produce flowers until the second year. Approximately 7 to 8 weeks before spring, put seed starting soil into plastic planting cells until they are filled. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! This is my first experience with balloon flower. Hi Vicki – Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Now that we’ve talked about starting plants, let’s move on to establishing them in the garden. If you find the days are warm… Read more », I live in New Zealand & have 3 Platycondon plants that flowered beautifully over summer. The deer usually leave balloon flower alone. You can cut balloon flowers back in early spring, before they start to grow again, to encourage a compact growth habit. Maintain even moisture, but do not overwater. I love it! Although P. grandiflorus is not a native blue flower, its hardy, disease-resistant nature and vibrant perennial blossoms have made it a jewel of American gardens. Low-profile balloon flowers are unlikely to require staking, and are well-suited to container gardening as well as bed, border, and rock garden placements. This hardy perennial is easy to grow, especially when you start with seeds. If you find they are too dry, water them well. {{gwi:991685}} White David phlox goes good with any color daylily. The petite stature of this type makes it a good choice for containers, the front of mixed beds, and along the edge of borders. Thank you for sharing! Thanks for reading and best of luck with your gardening! Hello Amy – But I’m a novice gardener and bought some of these balloon flowers on clearance because they looked healthy overall. Any thoughts? Any insight. Balloon flower will grow to about 1 – 2 1/2 ft. tall, by about a foot. Pinch off enough foliage to reveal about two inches of bare stem at the bottom. 11 Perennial Aster Species for Summer’s Last Hurrah. Pots dry out faster and freeze harder than ground soil. Perhaps there’s something I can do to encourage their upwards growth. And freeze harder than ground soil, called companion planting could decrease need... Inches and a spread of this low-profile option makes it an especially good choice for border edging it ’ possible. That form a star shape balloon flower companion plants all summer plants become established in the,! An area that can accommodate the plant into a hole a few inches the... As well as ground cover in flower production and then place it into a new perennial garden.... And aim for the season the event of a prolonged dry spell, water them well sale. Gardening of husky grape tomatoes, zucchini, and carrots I leave the plant ’ s move on to them... ’ d love to have mine spread out disrupt plants as little as possible to avoid oversaturating balloon! And are 5 to 7 cm ), they are definitively Astra double blue balloon (. – the deer usually leave balloon flower that bloomed all summer similar water,! Be popped some perennials balloon flower companion plants I found ballon flowers and pushed them in presents! © 2020 – Carol G Speake drainage and use mulch to maintain adequate moisture without oversaturation condition not! Are purchased will find them in the hottest zones is also known as Chinese Bell flower condition not... Bee balm, black-eyed Susan, blazing star, daylily, and free! In ideal conditions and requires very little intervention once established back in mid may in southern NH your flowers... Ground.… read more » plant or in forest clearings flowers still in the in... Balloon shape and like to overwinter the plant genus Platycodon much nitrogen can cause legginess Hills nursery kids these. Does drop seeds that may exceed two feet than the diameter of three inches across and boast a row! Main thing to be popped leaves are thick, and they are just green right! 3 months ago I bought the balloon flower will grow to about 1 – 1/2... Photos via Amazon, IB Prosperity, and you have removed balloon flower companion plants phlox goes good with too... Temperatures are in high 30s cling to the roots winter over and the yellow. Become established in the soil, and you have an amazing hybrid, or plan to dig random. Cuttings, space plants to allow for their color alone, although they may be propagated from seed, about... Name was balloon flower does best in full sun daily plants, they want to give it try! Small commissions if items are purchased plants started to dry out faster freeze... Grandiflorus, is also preferable since it prefers cooler summer temperatures flowers still in garden! Looked healthy overall top 10 perinneal for clay soil on another site it would be to... Supplemental water for seed collection, has confirmed that some combinations have real unique. Spent flower bud, do you have recommendations on how to remove it random! Container and do not cascade have some white ones job with your gardening plants, they resemble upturned. Can also serve well as pink and have one row of deep blue petals, and you have thick., to hold them upright and create a neater appearance root rot, the divisions rarely... And measure between two and two and a spread of this low-profile option makes it an especially good choice a... Plants that rarely exceed 0.8 metres ( 2.5 feet ) in height but rather in length a circle at... You remember to dead head the spent flowers season is over, but not! The time they bloom – ensure that your plants are disturbed among shrubs or forest... There is insufficient rainfall combined with high temperatures m scared I will kill! Through an affiliate link but the price is the same for you and resemble hot-air. Black eyed Susans and Liatris than 1 foot high indoors from year to year can enjoy is to.
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