Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Regular price $19.95Whimsical Blooms That Pop with Beauty and Medicinal Power
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), also called Chinese Bellflower or Doraji, is a cold-hardy perennial herb known for its puffy, balloon-like buds that burst open into stunning star-shaped blue-violet flowers. Native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it’s as healing as it is ornamental—especially cherished for its soothing root, used to support lung health, coughs, and inflammation.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny garden beds and borders, adding dreamy vertical interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its edible root can be prepared like a vegetable or dried for teas and tinctures. Balloon Flower is a perfect fit for medicinal herb gardens, pollinator plots, and cottage-style borders.
Why You'll Love It:
- Unique balloon-like buds burst into stunning blue-violet stars
- Medicinal root used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas
- Cold-hardy, perennial, and easy to grow
- Attracts bees and butterflies to your garden
- Perfect for cottage gardens, herbal borders, and pollinator beds
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil
- Avoid disturbing the roots once established—Balloon Flower doesn’t like to be moved
- Water regularly but don’t overwater—roots may rot in soggy soil
- Cut back stems after flowering to encourage more blooms and tidy growth
- Harvest roots in fall after 1–2 years for medicinal use
| Scientific Name | Platycodon grandiflorus |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower, Doraji |
| Family | Campanulaceae (Bellflower Family) |
| Origin | East Asia (China, Korea, Japan) |
| Plant Type | Flowering Herb / Medicinal Perennial |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Herb / Groundcover Layer |
| Mature Size | 1–2 ft tall and wide |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Summer (flowers), Fall (roots) |
| Time to Harvest | 1–2 years for roots |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 3–9 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Seeds, Root Division |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Deciduous; blooms midsummer with starry flowers |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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