Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus)
Whimsical Blooms That Pop with Beauty and Medicinal Power
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus), also called Chinese Bellflower or Doraji, is a cold-hardy perennial herb known for its puffy, balloon-like buds that burst open into stunning star-shaped blue-violet flowers. Native to East Asia and used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it’s as healing as it is ornamental—especially cherished for its soothing root, used to support lung health, coughs, and inflammation.
This low-maintenance plant thrives in sunny garden beds and borders, adding dreamy vertical interest and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its edible root can be prepared like a vegetable or dried for teas and tinctures. Balloon Flower is a perfect fit for medicinal herb gardens, pollinator plots, and cottage-style borders.
Why You'll Love It:
- Unique balloon-like buds burst into stunning blue-violet stars
- Medicinal root used in teas, soups, and herbal formulas
- Cold-hardy, perennial, and easy to grow
- Attracts bees and butterflies to your garden
- Perfect for cottage gardens, herbal borders, and pollinator beds
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil
- Avoid disturbing the roots once established—Balloon Flower doesn’t like to be moved
- Water regularly but don’t overwater—roots may rot in soggy soil
- Cut back stems after flowering to encourage more blooms and tidy growth
- Harvest roots in fall after 1–2 years for medicinal use