Bell-like flowers open from inflated buds that give the plants their common name – balloon flower. There is just one species available – Platycodon grandiflorus – and it is closely related to, and often confused with, forms of Campanula. There are a number of cultivars, but many are hard to find these days. In the wild, Platycodon grows in grassy meadows, throughout Asia. In our gardens, plants are grown as border perennials, pot plants, and even for cut flowers.

In spring, the hairless Platycodon stems emerge from a basal rosette of more or less oval, slightly bluish leaves. In summer, these stems carry blue, pink or white, bell-like, five-petalled flowers, opening from distinctive inflated, balloon-like buds. Platycodon are good for the front of well-drained borders; children like to pop the altogether intriguing unopened flowers. Being perennial, the balloon flower plants disappear over winter, and re-emerge in spring: be careful not to tread on or cause accidental damage to the crowns – it is a good idea to mark their location with labels.