Platycodon or Balloon flower in the flowerbed: 40 inspirational ideas to steal

The common names of this pretty perennial plant Platycodon, come from the plump-found flower buds that resemble hot air balloons or Chinese lanterns before they open.

Blue flowers are unusual in the garden. Keep reading to find out how to grow this flower with a gorgeous shade of blue.

This hardy and easy-care perennial is one of my favorite summer blooming perennials. The shape of the flower bud is whimsical, resembling hot air balloons and kids enjoy these flowers in the garden.

Lobelia: An amazing flower for pot and garden

This long-lived perennial is deer resistant. It is one of the few blue flowers that gardeners can enjoy. Balloon flower does well in containers and is great for cut flowers. It attracts butterflies and is a magnet for birds. The plant looks great as a border plant and is lovely in rock gardens.

Even though the buds on this plant are rounded like Chinese lanterns or balloons when the flowers pop open they form a pretty star-like shape. They are fun to grow with children because kids love the hot air balloon shape and like to pop the flowers! Flowering time is mid-summer and the plant will keep flowering as long as you remember to deadhead the spent flowers.

Pentas, an impressive plant with star flowers for your yard, pot and garden

The most desired color is blue since there are so few garden flowers in this color, but Platycodon grandiflorus also come in pure white, purple, and pink.

If you’re looking for something really unique for your mixed beds, borders, and containers, this plant is one to consider. I’m especially partial to the blue flowers because they are eye-catching for their color alone. Add to this their balloon-like buds and starry bell-shaped blooms, and you have a specimen that’s going to be noticed.