Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are charming perennial plants best known for their unique, balloon-shaped buds that slowly open into star-shaped blooms. Native to East Asia, these ornamental flowers are widely grown in gardens for their long blooming season, compact to upright growth habits, and attractive blue, pink, or white flowers. Balloon flowers work beautifully in borders, containers, and cottage-style gardens, adding both visual interest and gentle color throughout the summer months.
1. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Blue’ is a compact balloon flower variety known for its large, star-shaped deep blue blooms and distinctive balloon-like buds before opening. It is widely grown in gardens and containers because of its neat growth habit, long flowering season, and ability to thrive in both landscape borders and pots.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Blue’
- Common name: Astra Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue to violet-blue
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–10 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety grows well in garden beds, borders, and containers. It prefers well-drained soil and is often planted in cottage gardens, rock gardens, and ornamental flower beds where compact flowering plants are needed.
Appearance
‘Astra Blue’ has upright stems with oval to lance-shaped green leaves. The most striking feature is its puffy, balloon-like buds that slowly open into wide, star-shaped blue flowers, creating strong ornamental appeal.
Blooming Season
It typically blooms from early summer through late summer. With proper care and occasional deadheading, the plant can continue producing flowers over a long seasonal period.
2. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Pink’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Pink’ is a compact balloon flower cultivar admired for its soft pink, star-shaped blooms and distinctive balloon-like buds before opening. It is popular in small gardens and containers because of its tidy growth habit, long blooming period, and gentle pastel color that blends well with other summer flowers.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra Pink’
- Common name: Astra Pink Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Soft pink to light rose
- Bud shape: Rounded, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–10 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This plant grows well in borders, rock gardens, and containers. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny to lightly shaded position, making it suitable for ornamental beds and patio displays.
Appearance
‘Astra Pink’ features upright stems with smooth, green leaves and inflated buds that gradually open into wide, pastel pink flowers. Its compact size and delicate color give it strong decorative value.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually begins in early summer and continues into late summer. Regular removal of faded flowers can help encourage a longer flowering period.
3. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra White’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra White’ is a compact balloon flower variety valued for its pure white, star-shaped blooms and unique balloon-like buds before opening. Its clean, bright appearance makes it a favorite for borders, containers, and mixed flower beds, where it adds contrast and a fresh ornamental look.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra White’
- Common name: Astra White Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Pure white
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–10 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety thrives in well-drained garden soil and grows well in borders, rock gardens, and containers. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is commonly used in ornamental garden designs.
Appearance
‘Astra White’ has upright green stems and smooth, oval leaves. Its puffy buds slowly open into wide, bright white flowers, creating a crisp and elegant garden display.
Blooming Season
Flowering usually starts in early summer and can continue through late summer. Deadheading spent blooms often helps extend the flowering season.
4. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Blue’ is a popular balloon flower variety known for its large, rich blue, star-shaped flowers and tall, upright growth habit. It is often used in garden borders and mixed flower beds because of its strong stems, showy blooms, and reliable summer performance.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Blue’
- Common name: Fuji Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue to violet-blue
- Bud shape: Rounded, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 18–24 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety grows best in well-drained soil and performs well in sunny to lightly shaded garden areas. It is commonly planted in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and ornamental flower beds.
Appearance
‘Fuji Blue’ has sturdy, upright stems with narrow green leaves. Its inflated buds open into large, bold blue flowers that stand out clearly among other summer-blooming plants.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually occurs from early to mid-summer and can last into late summer with proper care and removal of spent flowers.
5. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Pink’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Pink’ is a taller balloon flower cultivar admired for its large, soft pink blooms and distinctive balloon-shaped buds before opening. It is widely used in perennial borders and cottage-style gardens because of its elegant height, long flowering season, and gentle pastel coloring.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji Pink’
- Common name: Fuji Pink Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Soft pink to light rose
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 18–24 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety prefers well-drained soil and grows best in sunny to partially shaded locations. It is commonly planted in perennial borders, mixed beds, and cottage gardens.
Appearance
‘Fuji Pink’ features upright, sturdy stems and narrow green leaves. The rounded buds open into wide, delicate pink flowers that add a soft, decorative look to summer gardens.
Blooming Season
Flowering generally begins in early summer and continues through late summer. Removing faded blooms can help encourage longer-lasting flowering.
6. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji White’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji White’ is a graceful balloon flower variety recognized for its large, pure white, star-shaped blooms and upright growth habit. It is frequently grown in perennial borders and mixed flower beds, where its bright flowers create contrast and visual balance among colorful summer plants.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Fuji White’
- Common name: Fuji White Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Pure white
- Bud shape: Balloon-like, rounded before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 18–24 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This cultivar grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is well suited to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and decorative flower beds.
Appearance
‘Fuji White’ has tall, upright stems with narrow green leaves. Its inflated buds open into large, crisp white flowers, giving a clean and elegant look to the garden.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually starts in early summer and can continue into late summer. With good care and occasional deadheading, flowering may last even longer.
7. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Blue’ is a dwarf balloon flower variety known for its compact size, abundant deep blue blooms, and classic balloon-shaped buds. It is especially popular for containers, edging, and small garden spaces because of its low growth habit and long-lasting summer flowers.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Blue’
- Common name: Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue to violet
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–8 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety thrives in well-drained soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly planted in containers, borders, and rock gardens.
Appearance
‘Sentimental Blue’ has a neat, compact form with green leaves and short upright stems. The puffy buds open into rich blue, star-shaped flowers that sit just above the foliage.
Blooming Season
Flowering generally begins in early summer and continues through mid to late summer, often producing blooms over an extended period with proper care.
8. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Pink’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Pink’ is a dwarf balloon flower cultivar prized for its compact growth, soft pink blooms, and distinctive balloon-like buds. It is an excellent choice for containers, edging, and small garden beds where low-growing, long-blooming flowers are needed.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental Pink’
- Common name: Sentimental Pink Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Soft pink
- Bud shape: Rounded, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–8 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety prefers well-drained soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly used in containers, rock gardens, and front-border plantings.
Appearance
‘Sentimental Pink’ has a compact, tidy form with green leaves and short stems. Its inflated buds open into delicate pink flowers that sit just above the foliage, creating a soft ornamental effect.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually begins in early summer and can continue into late summer, especially when spent flowers are removed regularly.
9. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental White’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental White’ is a dwarf balloon flower variety valued for its compact size, pure white blooms, and charming balloon-shaped buds. It is commonly grown in containers, edging, and small garden spaces where neat, low-growing flowering plants are desired.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Sentimental White’
- Common name: Sentimental White Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Pure white
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 6–8 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This cultivar grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is well suited to containers, rock gardens, and border edges.
Appearance
‘Sentimental White’ has a compact growth habit with green leaves and short upright stems. Its rounded buds open into crisp white flowers, giving a clean and bright garden appearance.
Blooming Season
Flowering generally starts in early summer and can continue through late summer with proper care and occasional deadheading.
10. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Mariesii’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Mariesii’ is a classic balloon flower cultivar known for its deep blue-purple flowers, compact mounded habit, and reliable garden performance. It is often used in borders and rock gardens because of its sturdy growth, attractive foliage, and showy star-shaped blooms.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Mariesii’
- Common name: Mariesii Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue to purple-blue
- Bud shape: Balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 8–12 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety prefers well-drained soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is commonly planted in perennial borders, rock gardens, and mixed flower beds.
Appearance
‘Mariesii’ has a low, spreading form with upright stems and oval green leaves. Its inflated buds open into bold blue flowers that stand out clearly against the foliage.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually occurs from early summer through mid-summer, with flowers often lasting longer when spent blooms are removed.
11. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Komachi Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Komachi Blue’ is a distinctive balloon flower variety admired for its upright, slender growth and rich blue blooms. It is especially known for its ornamental buds that often remain partially closed, giving the plant a unique decorative look even before full flowering.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Komachi Blue’
- Common name: Komachi Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue
- Bud shape: Narrow, balloon-like and often semi-closed
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 12–18 inches
- Bloom form: Star-shaped flowers, sometimes partially opening
Habitat
This cultivar grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is well suited to ornamental borders, mixed perennial beds, and decorative garden plantings.
Appearance
‘Komachi Blue’ has upright stems with narrow green leaves. Its elongated balloon buds and deep blue flowers create a refined, elegant appearance that stands out from more common balloon flower forms.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually begins in early summer and can continue into mid to late summer, depending on growing conditions and care.
12. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Shell Pink’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Shell Pink’ is a soft-colored balloon flower cultivar valued for its delicate blush-pink blooms and graceful, upright growth. It is commonly planted in borders and mixed flower beds where gentle pastel tones are used to balance brighter summer flowers.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Shell Pink’
- Common name: Shell Pink Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Pale shell-pink
- Bud shape: Rounded, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 12–20 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety prefers well-drained soil and grows well in full sun to partial shade. It is often used in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and ornamental beds.
Appearance
‘Shell Pink’ has upright stems with smooth green leaves. Its inflated buds open into soft pink, star-shaped flowers that give the plant a light and elegant garden presence.
Blooming Season
Flowering generally begins in early summer and continues through mid to late summer, especially when old flowers are removed to encourage repeat blooming.
13. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Double Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Double Blue’ is a striking balloon flower variety known for its fully double, layered blue blooms that give the flowers a fuller, rose-like appearance. It is grown mainly as an ornamental feature plant in borders and mixed flower beds because of its unusual flower form.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Double Blue’
- Common name: Double Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue
- Bud shape: Balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 12–20 inches
- Bloom form: Fully double, layered star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This cultivar grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It performs well in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and decorative garden beds.
Appearance
‘Double Blue’ has upright stems with green leaves and inflated buds that open into dense, multi-petaled blue flowers. The fuller bloom form gives the plant a unique and ornamental look.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually starts in early summer and can continue into late summer, especially when faded flowers are regularly removed.
14. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Apoyama Group’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Apoyama Group’ is a distinctive balloon flower group known for its compact habit, strong stems, and attractive blue to violet-blue blooms. It is often selected for garden borders and container planting because of its uniform growth and reliable summer flowering.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Apoyama Group’
- Common name: Apoyama Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Blue to violet-blue
- Bud shape: Rounded, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 8–14 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This group grows best in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and decorative containers.
Appearance
‘Apoyama Group’ plants have compact, upright growth with green leaves and puffy buds that open into clear blue flowers. Their tidy size and uniform look make them well suited to ornamental garden designs.
Blooming Season
Flowering usually begins in early summer and continues through mid to late summer, especially when old blooms are removed regularly.
15. Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Hakone Blue’
Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Hakone Blue’ is an attractive balloon flower cultivar admired for its rich blue, star-shaped blooms and upright, garden-friendly growth habit. It is often planted in borders and mixed beds where classic blue summer flowers are desired.
Identification
- Scientific name: Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Hakone Blue’
- Common name: Hakone Blue Balloon Flower
- Flower color: Deep blue
- Bud shape: Inflated, balloon-like before opening
- Plant type: Perennial flowering plant
- Mature height: About 12–18 inches
- Bloom form: Five-pointed, star-shaped flowers
Habitat
This variety grows well in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is commonly grown in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and ornamental flower beds.
Appearance
‘Hakone Blue’ has upright stems with narrow green leaves. Its rounded buds open into bold blue flowers that provide strong visual interest throughout the summer garden.
Blooming Season
Blooming usually begins in early summer and continues into mid to late summer, depending on growing conditions and care.
FAQs
What is a balloon flower and why is it called that?
Balloon flower is the common name for Platycodon grandiflorus. It is called “balloon flower” because the buds swell into round, balloon-like shapes before opening. When they finally bloom, they burst into star-shaped flowers, creating a unique and decorative effect in gardens.
Is balloon flower a perennial plant?
Yes, balloon flower is a hardy perennial in many temperate regions. It grows back each year from its roots, producing fresh stems and flowers in summer. With proper soil, sunlight, and care, balloon flowers can live for many years in the same garden spot.
Does balloon flower grow better in sun or shade?
Balloon flowers grow best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages stronger stems and more blooms, while light afternoon shade can help in very hot climates. Well-drained soil is important, as the plant does not tolerate standing water.
Can balloon flowers be grown in pots?
Yes, balloon flowers grow very well in containers, especially compact varieties like the Astra and Sentimental series. Pots should have good drainage and enough depth for the roots. Container-grown plants are ideal for patios, balconies, and small gardens.
How long do balloon flowers bloom?
Balloon flowers usually bloom from early summer through mid or late summer. With regular deadheading and proper care, the flowering period can be extended. Some varieties continue producing new blooms over several weeks, providing long-lasting seasonal color.
