Commonly known as Balloon flower, this hardy clump forming perennial is grown for its summer blooms, which develop from inflated balloon like buds that are pillowy and feel hollow to the touch, opening out to reveal bell shaped flowers in shades of blue and purplish blue. This variety is a great middle border plant requiring minimal care, with expected growth up to 60cm tall and 45cm wide once well established.

How to plant

• Plant Platycodon in spring between February and May, ideally within a week of delivery.
  
• Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. Pot into temporary 2 litre (or 15-20cm diameter) pots, using a good quality multi-purpose compost. Grit can be added to aid drainage.
  
• Plant with the roots submerged and with the top of the root system just level with the soil surface. Any shoots which have emerged already should be left exposed above the soil surface.
  
• Grow them on in a sheltered spot outside. They can be transplanted to suitable growing positions after 2-4 months or once growth is established and the plants easily come out of the temporary pots with the soil held together by the roots. It is best to wait until roots are visible from the base of the pot before planting out into your border.
  
• When they’re ready to plant into the garden, choose a position in full sun. Platycodon prefers a moist but well-drained loamy soil. It tends to do well in meadow areas as well as borders.
  
• As with all young plants, monitor your new plantings for pest damage and remove any unwanted growth from other plants in the border to reduce competition.
  
• This perennial is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.
  
• Water-in after planting and keep hydrated when in growth, particularly during the first year.

Aftercare

• Each season the foliage and flower stems will die back in late autumn, at which point they can be cut back to around 3cm above soil level.
  
• Each spring, new growth will develop from the base of the plant.
  
• Over time, Platycodon form clumps and as each clump gradually grows, more flower stems will be produced. You can divide clumps in autumn or early spring if they start to look congested.