Platycodon grandiflorus 'Albus' (Ballon flower 'Albus')

Botanical name

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Albus'

Other names

Ballon flower 'Albus', White balloon flower, Platycodon grandiflorus f. albus, Chinese balloon flower 'Albus', Japanese bellflower 'Albus'

Genus

Platycodon Platycodon

Variety or Cultivar

'Albus' _ 'Albus' is a compact, clump-forming perennial with ovate to lance-shaped, toothed, blue-green leaves and, in late summer, clusters of large, balloon-like buds opening to bell-shaped, white flowers with yellow or blue veins.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Upright

Colour

Flower

White in Summer

Foliage

Blue-green in Spring; Blue-green in Summer; Blue-green in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Slugs , Snails

General care

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering. Cut stems back after flowering and cut to base in autumn.

Propagation methods

Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Albus' (Ballon flower 'Albus') will reach a height of 0.6m and a spread of 0.3m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Gravel, Rock

Cultivation

Plant in light, loamy, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. Flower stems may need support. Dislikes being transplanted once established.

Soil type

Loamy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3