Platycodon 'Astra S-D White'

Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White': A Luminous Cloud of Garden Grace

Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White', a distinguished variety from the Balloon Flower family, unfolds in the garden like a luminous cloud of grace, with its semi-double white blooms radiating purity and light. This perennial treasure is celebrated for its enchanting balloon-like buds that gracefully open to reveal layers of pristine white petals, creating a serene visual spectacle that enchants and captivates. Ideal for crafting a tranquil garden oasis, accentuating moon gardens, or providing a delicate contrast in mixed borders, 'Astra Semi-Double White' offers gardeners a versatile and visually stunning option to infuse their landscapes with the ethereal beauty of white blooms and verdant foliage.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White' reaches a charming height of 25-30 cm, perfect for weaving through the front of borders or starring in container compositions.
• Spread: With a compact spread of 20-25 cm, it forms well-mannered mounds of foliage, offering a lush backdrop for the striking semi-double flowers.
• Flower Colour: The blooms shine in a radiant white, their semi-double structure adding a touch of elegance and depth to the garden palette, inviting peace and reflection.
• Flowering Period: Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, 'Astra Semi-Double White' extends the season of interest in the garden, providing a refreshing burst of brightness during the warmest months.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this Platycodon cultivar exhibits its most spectacular bloom display under ample sunlight, yet gracefully adapts to the cooler, softer light of partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Adaptable to a broad range of soil conditions, 'Astra Semi-Double White' prefers well-drained soils and shows a notable tolerance for dry conditions once established, making it a resilient and flexible choice for various garden settings.

Uses and Benefits: Beyond its ornamental charm, Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White' serves as an excellent attractant for pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing the garden's ecological diversity. Its stunning blooms and compact growth make it an ideal selection for cut flower arrangements, bringing the serene beauty of the garden indoors.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Astra Semi-Double White' with the deep blues of Salvia nemorosa, the rich purples of Echinacea purpurea, and the bright yellows of Coreopsis verticillata. This combination creates a visually harmonious and texturally rich garden scene, emphasizing the tranquil beauty of white blooms while encouraging a vibrant, living landscape.

Care Instructions: Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White' is a testament to the beauty of low-maintenance gardening, thriving with minimal care. It benefits from regular watering during dry spells and an annual application of compost or balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering. Deadheading spent blooms can encourage further blooming, extending the captivating display.

History: Selected for its exquisite semi-double white flowers, compact and tidy growth habit, and overall garden performance, 'Astra Semi-Double White' has quickly become a favorite among gardeners and landscapers, offering an opportunity to enjoy the unique charm of balloon flowers with enhanced visual appeal and adaptability.

Final Thoughts: Platycodon 'Astra Semi-Double White' stands as a luminous cloud of garden grace, offering a serene and captivating presence in any garden setting. Its ability to enchant with its delicate blooms, combined with its pollinator-friendly nature and ease of care, makes it an invaluable addition to any garden seeking to capture the ethereal beauty and purity of white flowers. Whether used to create a tranquil oasis, accentuate moon gardens, or provide contrast in mixed borders, 'Astra Semi-Double White' delivers a harmonious and inviting presence, enriching the garden with its radiant splendor and enduring charm.