Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
This vintage
perennial for the garden
border is regaining
popularity due to its
extended blooming
season and reliable hardiness
even in zone 3.
Once established, it will
reemerge every spring
for years. The bluish-purple, star-shaped flowers form in clusters on upright
stems, opening successively from June to August. Occasionally, the flowers
bloom white and this is the preferred color in Korea where it’s called Doraji.
The individual flower buds swell before opening, creating a puffy ball shape,
hence the name Balloon Flower.