Balloon flower is an easy, long-lived perennial: plant it in full sun to light shade in moist, well-drained soil, and be patient in spring. Illinois Extension describes glossy green foliage and balloon-shaped buds that open into star-shaped flowers, and notes that children love to grow it because the buds pop when squeezed. It lists no serious pests or problems.
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Asia
- Soil
- Moist, well drained, slightly acidic, organic
- Height
- About 1 ft (NC State); tall cultivars need staking
- Bloom time
- Late spring to summer
- Deadheading
- Extends bloom
- Pests
- None serious (Illinois)
Sun and soil
NC State says balloon flower grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Illinois Extension says it prefers well-drained, moist soil in full sun to very light shade. The Illinois Hort Answers table lists drought and drowning as the plant’s stresses, so avoid both: no waterlogged beds, and no long dry spells.
Size and staking
NC State’s dimensions put balloon flower at about 1 foot tall, and Illinois Extension says tall cultivars may require staking. Check the tag for the height of the cultivar you buy.
Deadheading and flowering
NC State says to deadhead to extend bloom, and gives a bloom period of late spring to summer. Illinois Extension notes the flowers are star-shaped, opening from balloon-like buds. See our bloom calendar for what else is in flower at the same time.
Late to wake up in spring
Balloon flower is slow to emerge in spring, which can make it look as if it has died (Illinois Extension). Penn State’s advice for fall cleanup is to leave about two inches of stalk above the soil when you cut a perennial down, so you can mark where a late-emerging plant sits. That keeps you from digging it up or planting over it in April.
Common balloon flower problems
Grow these next
Balloon flower fills the gap after spring bulbs. Pair it with tulips for spring, and add calla lily for summer color in the same bed.
Frequently asked questions
How much sun does balloon flower need?
NC State says full sun to partial shade. Illinois Extension says full sun to very light shade, in moist, well-drained soil.
When does balloon flower bloom?
NC State gives late spring to summer. Deadheading, removing spent flowers, extends the bloom (NC State).
Why has my balloon flower not come back?
It may just be late. Illinois Extension notes that balloon flower is very slow to emerge in spring. Penn State advises leaving about two inches of stalk when you cut the plant down in fall, to mark where it is.
Do balloon flowers need staking?
Illinois Extension says tall cultivars may require staking. NC State's dimensions put the plant at about 1 foot tall.
What kind of soil does balloon flower like?
NC State and Illinois Extension both say well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is high in organic matter. Illinois lists drought and drowning among the stresses.
Sources
- Platycodon grandiflorus (balloon flower), NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Balloon Flower, University of Illinois Extension
- Platycodon grandiflorus, University of Illinois Extension Hort Answers
- Cutting Down Perennials in the Fall, Penn State Extension
Tulip
Calla Lily