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 | Cinnamomum cassia (syn. C. aromaticum) |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Cassia Cinnamon, Chinese Cinnamon |
| Family | Lauraceae (Laurel Family) |
| Origin | Southern China and Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical Spice Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Mid-Story / Canopy Layer |
| Mature Size | 20–30 ft tall (can be pruned smaller) |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Year-round foliage; bark harvested after 3–5 years |
| Time to Harvest | 3–5 years for bark |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 10–11 (Zone 9 with protection) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Seeds |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen; aromatic bark and subtle white blooms |
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!
We ship every plant plastic-free and planet-friendly—using compostable packaging, recyclable pots, and carbon-conscious shipping from start to finish. 🌎🌱👉 Our Commitment to Packaging & Shipping Sustainability
