How big does Balloon flower grow?

About 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–75 cm × 30–45 cm.

What soil does Balloon flower grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Balloon flower hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Balloon flower flower?

Flowering: June–August, blue, purple, white, pink.

How much water does Balloon flower need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

Balloon flower

Platycodon grandiflorus

Balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a perennial that reaches 60 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Balloon flower — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A long-lived, bushy perennial whose puffed-up, balloon-like buds open in summer into blue, white or pink starry bells. Plant it in sun or part shade in light, well-drained soil and leave it alone, because its fleshy, brittle roots take badly to moving. It comes up very late in spring, so mark the spot to avoid hoeing it out.

Watch out for

It emerges late in spring, often only at the end of April or in early May, when it is easy to dig up or damage by accident. It takes division and transplanting badly. The roots rot in wet, waterlogged soil, and slugs and snails may eat the young shoots. Tall varieties can flop: stake them or cut the stems back by half in May.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 60 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, blue, purple, white, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	60 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	30–75 cm × 30–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, blue, purple, white, pink
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €5

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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