Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mariesii'

RHS Plant Profile
balloon flower 'Mariesii'
balloon flower 'Mariesii' RHS
Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

An herbaceous perennial to 45cm tall, with blue-green lance-shaped leaves and violet-blue flowers 5cm wide, opening from balloon-like buds in late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Campanulaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in deep, light, fertile, loamy, reliably moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. May need support; resents disturbance

Propagation

Propagate by seed in pots or in situ in spring; cultivars may not come true from seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Rock garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back to the base in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free