Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower)
Platycodon grandiflorus (Balloon Flower)
Classic perennial • Balloon-shaped buds & violet-blue star flowers • Blooms reliably through summer
📦 Shipping is charged at real carrier rates.We don’t mark up shipping—costs reflect distance from our nursery and careful plant packing.
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Balloon flower is known for its round, inflated buds that look like small balloons before opening into large, star-shaped violet-blue flowers. This unusual stage makes it a favorite with gardeners and children alike, and once open, the blooms provide steady color through much of the summer.
Flowers rise on upright stems from early to late summer, especially with regular deadheading. The open, star-shaped blooms attract bees and fit easily into cottage gardens, borders, and mixed perennial beds.
Balloon flower also has a long history of traditional use in East Asia, where the roots have been used in herbal preparations related to throat and respiratory support.
It is dependable, long-lived, and easy to grow in well-drained soil.
WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT
- Unique balloon-shaped buds
- Large violet-blue star flowers
- Long summer bloom period
- Reliable, upright growth
- Attractive to bees
- Interesting herbal history
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Moderate; prefers even moisture
- Growth habit: Upright, clumping
Balloon flower emerges late in spring. Mark planting spots and be patient.
SIZE & BLOOM
- Height × Width: ~3 ft. × 1½ ft.
- Flower color: Violet-blue
- Bloom time: June through August
- Fragrance: Light or none
- Pollinators: Bees
PLANTING TIPS
- Plant in sun or light shade
- Choose soil that drains well
- Avoid heavy, soggy areas
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Leave space for mature height
CARE MADE EASY
- Deadhead for continued bloom
- Cut back stems in fall or spring
- Water during extended dry periods
- Avoid disturbing roots once established
BEST USES
- Cottage and perennial gardens
- Pollinator plantings
- Cut flower gardens
- Medicinal and heritage gardens
- Children’s and curiosity gardens
TRADITIONAL USES
In traditional herbal practice, balloon flower root has been used for:
- Throat and respiratory support
- Coughs and chest congestion
- General wellness preparations
These traditional uses are shared for educational purposes only and are not medical advice.
HARVESTING TIPS
- Deadhead regularly for more blooms
- Cut stems as flowers begin to open
- Use fresh in simple garden bouquets
HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Choose Balloon Flower if you:
- Enjoy unusual, playful plants
- Want long summer color
- Like pollinator-friendly perennials
- Appreciate plants with cultural history
- Garden in sun or partial shade
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Are your plants inspected for plant health and disease?
Yes. Our nursery is inspected at least twice each year by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and meets state plant health and disease standards.
Why does shipping cost what it does for live plants?
Shipping live plants requires careful packaging, seasonal timing, and fast transit to ensure they arrive healthy.
Our shipping rates are calculated in real time based on box size, weight, and destination, and we always select the best available option for safe, timely delivery.
We never inflate shipping costs — you pay what it costs us to ship your order safely.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.