Protected Series: ASTRA
Zone: 3
ASTRA™ BLUE BALLOON FLOWER
Platycodon grandiflorus Astra™ Blue is a standout member of the Astra™ series, a collection bred specifically for a compact, well-branched habit and exceptionally large flowers. Commonly known as Balloon Flower, it is famous for its unique flower buds that swell into puffy, balloon-like spheres before bursting open into star-shaped, upward-facing blossoms. The flowers are a striking, thick-petaled violet-blue, which provides a long-lasting display in the mid-to-late summer garden. Unlike older, taller varieties of Platycodon, the Astra™ series maintains a tidy, mounded shape reaching only 9 to 12 inches in height, making it an ideal choice for the front of a border, rock gardens, or mixed patio containers.
The ideal spot for Astra™ Blue Balloon Flower is a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained, organic-rich soil. While it is quite adaptable, it is important to note that Platycodon has a fleshy taproot and does not like to be moved once established; choose its permanent home carefully. For general care, it is relatively low-maintenance and deer-resistant. One of its most important characteristics is its late emergence in the spring, it is often one of the last perennials to poke through the soil, so marking its location is helpful to avoid accidental digging. The foliage color is a clean, blue-green throughout the growing season.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
| PLATYCODON ASTRA BLUE | TRADE 1 | 148 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in well-draining soil with a slightly alkaline pH. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering. Provide full sun to partial shade, depending on the color of the flowers.
Available cultivars in this genus:
