Water
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Also known as Bellflower · Chinese Bell Flower · Chinese-Bellflower
Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a striking perennial known for its unique, inflated buds that burst open into large, bell-shaped blue flowers in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering, tolerates light afternoon shade.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers average room temperatures or outdoor conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light Feeder
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter dormancy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering and prevent self-seeding. Cut back stems to the ground in late fall or early spring to tidy the plant and promote healthy new growth.
Propagate from seed sown in autumn or early spring, or by division of established clumps in early spring. Seeds may require stratification. Cuttings can be taken in late spring.
Young plants may need repotting every 1-2 years. Mature plants generally prefer to be left undisturbed. Repot in spring just as new growth appears, using a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Where Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Campanulaceae |
| Genus | Platycodon |
| Species | Platycodon grandiflorus |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data