Balloon Flower
Platycodon grandiflorus
Balloon Flower is a charming perennial with inflated buds that pop open into star-shaped blue flowers. It symbolizes endless love, honesty, and the anticipation of good things to come.
Campanulaceae (Bellflower family)
Mid-summer through early fall (July-September), long-lasting blooms
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: alliums and colchicums also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Children love to grow this plant for the balloon-like buds which pop when squeezed. In Korean culture, it's one of the "Seven Autumn Flowers" and symbolizes endless love and honesty. The inflated buds represent anticipation and the joy of waiting for good things to unfold.Botanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates
Water
Consistent moisture during growing season; avoid waterlogged conditions
Soil
Well-drained, Deep, Fertile, Loamy, Slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant has deep taproot; avoid transplanting once established
Pinch stem tips in late spring to encourage bushier growth
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming
Mark location as plants emerge late in spring
Support tall varieties with stakes or grow-through supports
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Perennial borders and cottage gardens
- Children's gardens for the "popable" buds
- Cut flowers with excellent vase life
- Mass plantings for summer color
- Container gardening and patio displays
- Naturalistic and prairie-style plantings
Traditional Uses
- Traditional Chinese medicine uses root (called "jie geng") for respiratory ailments
- Used in Korean cuisine and traditional medicine
- Root contains saponins with potential health benefits
- Modern medicinal use should be under professional guidance
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Balloon Flower
Why is it called Balloon Flower?
It's called Balloon Flower because the buds inflate like balloons before opening, and children love to gently squeeze them to make them pop.
What does Balloon Flower symbolize?
Balloon Flower symbolizes endless love, honesty, and anticipation of good things to come, making it popular for romantic occasions.
Is Balloon Flower hard to grow?
Balloon Flower is relatively easy to grow but has a deep taproot, so it should not be transplanted once established.
When do Balloon Flowers bloom?
Balloon Flowers bloom from mid-summer through early fall (July-September), providing months of star-shaped flowers.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Allium
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Aster
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