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Herbaceous Perennial

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra White' (Astra Series)

balloon flower 'Astra White'

A compact, clump-forming perennial to 30cm tall, making a mound of ovate, bluish-green leaves. In summer it produces clusters of large, inflated balloon-like buds; these open to upward-facing white flowers. Grow in a rock garden, container or front of a border

Synonyms
Platycodon 'Astra White'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer White Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Platycodon are herbaceous perennials with neat, ovate leaves and terminal clusters of open bell-shaped flowers which open from large, balloon-shaped buds in late summer

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, light, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Established plants resent disturbance

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring, division in summer, or detatch rooted basal shoots in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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