Platycodon 'Astra Blue'

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Blue': Balloon Blooms in Sky Blue

Charming and compact, Platycodon 'Astra Blue' lights up the summer garden with large, balloon-like buds that unfurl into starry, violet-blue blooms. Part of the reliable Astra series, this tidy cultivar offers a neat, mounded habit and an extended bloom period from early to late summer. Perfect for borders, containers, or edging, it’s a low-maintenance perennial with striking colour and whimsical form, beloved by gardeners and pollinators alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 15–25 cm
• Spread: 20–30 cm
• Flower Colour: Violet-blue
• Flowering Period: Early to late summer
• Foliage: Blue-green, lance-shaped leaves; compact and tidy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to moderately rich soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Astra Blue' is ideal for the front of sunny borders, rock gardens, and containers where its bold blooms and neat form can be fully appreciated. Its strong colour adds depth to summer palettes, and the inflated buds add a playful touch to mixed plantings. Resistant to deer and tolerant of drought once established, it’s as durable as it is delightful.

Companion Plants: Pair with the soft yellow sprays of Coreopsis 'Moonbeam', the cool white spikes of Salvia 'Snow Hill', and the steely blue tufts of Festuca 'Cool as Ice' for a refined, low-growing combination that sparkles with contrast and texture in full sun.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun or light shade with well-drained soil. Avoid overly wet or poorly drained sites. Deadhead to extend flowering and cut back spent stems after bloom. Divide clumps every few years in spring. Avoid disturbing the crown once established, as Platycodon resents root disruption.

History: Platycodon grandiflorus, also known as balloon flower, is native to East Asia. The Astra series was bred for improved uniformity, dwarf habit, and large blooms—making it especially suitable for modern garden designs and containers.

Final Thoughts: With its playful buds and rich blue blooms, Platycodon 'Astra Blue' adds a touch of whimsy and polish to sunny borders—bringing sky-toned beauty and easy elegance all summer long.