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.