Balloon Flower emerges late in spring - have faith, Balloon Flower will return if you don’t disturb the soil around it. By the way, if you have Butterfly Weed in your garden - and you should - Butterfly Weed also emerges late. Heat and drought-tolerant, Balloon Flower is tough and children especially seem drawn to Balloon Flower. The most beautiful planting I ever saw was a large mass cascading down a hillside - plant this one in mass (the bigger the better) for a truly memorable sight throughout the summer.

Common Name: Balloon Flower
Scientific Name: Platycodon mariesii
Classification:Perennial
Zones:4 - 9
Flowers: Unusual blue, white, or pink flowers form ‘balloons’, before opening to start-shaped blooms.
Flowering Season: Late spring until early fall.
Size: 2 - 3 feet
Growth Habit: Informal, but not sloppy.
Use: Mixed beds, natural gardens, children’s gardens.
Combine with: Works superbly with white, silver, and pink.
Ease of Culture: Easy
Sunlight: Full sun to partial sun
Water Requirements: Rain is enough; heat and drought tolerant.
Soil Requirements: Average soil is fine..

Technorati Tags: Butterfly Weed, Balloon Flower