Often referred to as the "Balloon Flower", Platycodon is a cool flowering plant that is super easy to grow. Upright stems yield pink balls that rise up from the plant, swelling until they pop open in a viviid display of floral bells. We like Astra Pink for the light pink color blooms - we think they have an outstanding appearance as they settle over the green mid-summer foliage. It also has a compact habit that keeps it shapely at an 8 to 10 inch height that works great for the front of garden beds. Looks stellar mass plantings or patio contains where you can highlight the beautiful bell shaped flowers. It's tolerance to shade makes it a great choice for new garden beds with an ornamental tree as the main vertical feature. If you like cut flowers the timing of the blooms make it a good addition to midsummer floral bouquets.

Pairs well with Agastache, sedum, or compact coneflowers when used in full sun. When used in part shade, we like it with compact hydrangea, hostas, coral bells or short ornamental grasses. The pink color really compliments other bright colored pinks, whites, and silvers, but it's easy nature make it useful all over the garden.

Photo Credit: Walter Gardens

General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.

Platycodon 'Astra Pink' - Balloon Flower

Platycodon is very easy to grow. It tolerates almost any soil so long as it is well drained. They can grow in both full sun and part shade, just cut the plant back after your first hard frost to prepare it for next spring growth. Sometimes they are late to emerge so be patient with them and you'll be rewarded.