Platycodon 'Astra Blue'

Platycodon 'Astra Blue': Poppable Buds, Then True Blue Stars

The buds puff up like little balloons, then pop open into violet-blue stars. 'Astra Blue' is basically a birthday party that never ends, minus the screaming kids. EVERY BUD IS A SURPRISE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Blue'
• Common Name: Balloon Flower
• Series: Astra
• Height: 20–25 cm (8–10 in)
• Spread: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
• Flowers: Violet-blue, star-shaped bells about 7 cm (3 in) across, opening from inflated balloon-like buds
• Bloom Time: Early to late summer (June to August)
• Foliage: Blue-green, oval leaves on a neat, mounded clump
• Features: Compact, long-lived, good cut flower

Where to Plant: Its small size suits the front of a border, rock gardens, edging along a path and patio containers. Plant it where kids can reach, since the buds are half the fun.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Astra Blue' at the front of a moist, sunny or part-shade bed with columbines, foxgloves and pink bistort. Aquilegia Earlybird™ Purple Yellow opens purple and yellow columbines at 28 to 33 cm from May to July. Digitalis 'Dalmatian Peach' adds peach foxgloves at 40 to 60 cm in June and July. Persicaria 'Superba' brings soft pink bottlebrushes at 60 to 90 cm from May to July. Miscanthus 'Gracillimus' rises behind at 150 to 180 cm with fine, arching blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in well-drained soil with some organic matter. Water regularly until established. It can be slow to settle in, especially in heavy clay. Balloon flower is one of the last perennials to come up in spring, often not until late May. Mark its spot so you don't dig into it by accident. It grows from a fleshy root that dislikes being moved, so pick a permanent home and avoid dividing it. Deadhead spent flowers to keep new buds coming. Cut the stems down in late fall or early spring.

History: Balloon flower is native to meadows and hillsides in China, Korea, Japan and eastern Russia, and its root has long been used as a vegetable and in traditional medicine in East Asia. The Astra series was developed for compact, well-branched plants with large flowers.

Final Thoughts: Compact, long-lived and ignored by deer. Plant it at the front where everyone can watch the buds inflate. POP QUIZ: WHO WANTS ONE?