Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii' - BALLOON FLOWER 'MARIESII'

Balloon-like flower buds that open to bell-shaped flowers in the middle to late summer. 'Mariesii' is reliably winter-hardy cultivar, recipient of Award of Garden Merit (RHS - Royal Horticultural Society, UK).

1.5' tall x 0.5-0.75' wide upright clumps, tidy growth, rather late sprouting in the spring. Flowers in June-July, if deadheaded even longer.

Full sun, half shade, adaptable to many soil types, including clay or sandy, rocky soils. Average moisture (medium), medium-dry soils. Avoid waterlogged soils.

Long-lived perennial that is not bothered by the deer or rabbits. Once established, it is also quite drought tolerant, older plants develop deep tap root, so they don't transplant easily.

Hardy in zones 3 to 9.

Originates in East Asia (from Far east Russia, to China, Korea and Japan), it is valued as culinary plant (roots - "doraji" are consumed in Korea) and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as cheaper substitute for ging-seng (anti-inflammatory properties).

Black walnut tolerant. Attracts some pollinators (honey bees) and butterflies. Some sources also mention birds.

Platycodon is fertile and produces a lot of seeds, in some condition can be heavy seeder and spread some. If you want to prevent seedlings, cut back the seedheads, before the capsules start to open.

Very good cut flower, seed heads can be used in dried arrangements.

For flower beds, cottage gardens, bigger rock gardens and bigger containers. Can be combined with many common perennials and grasses.

Pot size : square 3.5" x 5" deep pot

Picture copyright : Kurt Stueber, Commons Wikipedia