Perennials – Balloon Flower

Botanical name: platycodon grandiflorus

Beginner friendly?: no

Average size at maturity: about 3 ft in height and 2 ft in width

Bloom time: summer/fall

Hardy zone: zones 3-9

Flower color: blue, white, pink, purple

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year

Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed

Propagation methods: propagate through seed-sowing in the spring

Landscape use: ideal for wide borders

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: very cold-hardy

Watering instructions: keep soil moist but not soggy and allow the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a flower food feed once a month throughout the growing season

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam

Companion plants: lavender, catmint, coreopsis

Toxicity level: toxic for humans if ingested but non-toxic for pets

Invasive species: no