The Platycodon grandiflorus 'Hakone Blue' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
balloon flower
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Hakone Blue'
The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus 'Hakone Blue') is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. This low-maintenance plant is an excellent addition to the garden with its exquisite, brilliant blue flowers in bell-shaped blooms. The spherical buds of the balloon flower open in late spring and develop into vibrant domed blooms that last until late summer. This plant requires full sun and well-drained, dry soil, and is an ideal candidate for the rock garden or flower bed. The Hakone Blue cultivar is noted for its exceptional color, and with its easy care and moderate size, it can be enjoyed for many years as a stand-alone specimen or in clusters.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 8
Flowers:
Blue Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Low
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Balloon flower plants should be watered regularly in order to thrive, so it’s important to establish a regular watering schedule. During the plant's active growing season, water the plant whenever the top inch of soil appears dry. Try to water deeply, enough so that it soaks down to the plant's roots. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, water occasionally, or only when the soil appears dry. To ensure it's not over watered, check the soil before watering or use a moisture meter.
sunlight
Balloon flowers need full sunlight when they are growing and it should be from early morning until midday. They thrive in 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the plant doesn’t receive enough sunlight, it tends to become lanky as it stretches for more light. If the balloon flower is placed in too much sunlight, the leaves can become yellow and the flowers can fade and wilt. Ideally, the balloon flower should be placed in a position that receives full sun in the morning and some light shade during the afternoon. This helps to protect the foliage from sunburn.
pruning
Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus 'Hakone Blue') should be pruned each year following the last frost of winter. Pruning should be done carefully, removing any dead stems and thinning out some of the thicker stems to encourage a bushy, healthy plant. A light pruning can also be done mid-season when the blooms begin to fade to encourage a second round of blooms. Additionally, deadheading any spent blooms and cutting the plant down to its base in autumn will help to promote extended vigor and prevent disease.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
The Platycodon grandiflorus 'Hakone Blue' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
Hardiness Map
FAQ
Is it easy to propagate balloon flowers from seeds?
Propagating balloon flowers from seeds is possible but it is not particularly easy. Because the seeds are rather small compared to the size of the flower, it can be hard to collect, sow, and properly cultivate them. Additionally, the seed does not experience a long shelf life, so it is important to sow them immediately after collection. The seeds also have a long germination time which can be a tricky process, and even then, balloon flowers may take up to 2 to 3 years to start blooming once planted.
Is it possible to grow balloon flowers indoors?
Yes, it is possible to grow balloon flowers indoors. Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are herbaceous perennials that can survive in a wide range of temperatures and light conditions, making them suitable for indoor cultivation. While best grown outdoors in zones 4 to 9, they can be grown in bright, indirect light indoors, usually near a south-facing window. Planting the flower in a small pot with well-draining potting soil and watering regularly (but not too often) will help the balloon flower thrive indoors.
Should I remove the faded flowers of balloon flowers?
Yes, you should remove the faded flowers of balloon flowers. Removing the faded flowers encourages the plant to produce more flowers, extends the blooming season, and helps to keep the plant healthy. If you are growing balloon flowers as a cut flower, you may want to consider removing the faded flowers as it may help to extend the season of the flower’s beauty. Additionally, removing faded flowers can help to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
Could balloon flowers survive in a cold climate?
Balloon flowers can survive in a cold climate, but they may not last as robustly as they would in a warmer climate. While they don't require a lot of care, they may need a little extra attention in a cold climate - like protecting them from the cold winter winds with burlap or lightweight row covers. They prefer a light soil, so adding mulch to their environment can also help them stay warm and happy in colder climates.
Is it possible to grow balloon flowers from cuttings?
Yes, it is possible to grow balloon flowers from cuttings. To do so, take a few cuttings from a healthy, mature plant and remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone and then insert it into a container filled with moist potting soil. Cover the container with plastic and keep it warm and moist. With a little bit of luck, the cutting will root in about six weeks and you can then transplant the newly rooted cuttings in their own containers.
Are balloon flowers annuals or perennials?
Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are perennials, meaning that they live for more than one growing season. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. They are native to China and Japan and are part of the campanulaceae family.
Should I mulch around balloon flowers?
Yes, mulching around balloon flowers is a great way to keep the soil moist and provide additional nutrition. Mulch also helps keep weeds away and can help reduce disease problems. It will also help prevent the plant from drying out, especially in hot weather. Make sure to use organic mulches such as grass clippings or compost, and keep the mulch away from the crown of the plant.
Could balloon flowers be used in a rock garden?
Yes, balloon flowers can be used in a rock garden. These flowers are known for their rosette shaped foliage and star-shaped pink or blue flowers that make them perfect for rock gardens and other harsh growing environments. Plant them in clusters in sunny areas with good drainage to enjoy their blooming beauty, year after year. Low maintenance and drought tolerant, balloon flowers are perfect for bringing color and texture to your rock garden landscape.
