Balloon flower gets its common name from the unopened flower buds which resemble hot air balloons. Children love to grow this plant for the balloon-like buds which pop when squeezed. The name "Platycodon" means "flat bell", which aptly describes the opened flowers. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. An easy plant to grow from seed. Division and transplanting are difficult due to the fragile fleshy root system; however, if needed, division should be done in spring. Deadheading will prolong the bloom season.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.