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Herbaceous Perennial
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Blue' (Astra Series)
balloon flower 'Astra Blue'
A dwarf herbaceous perennial with narrow, mid-green leaves and large, star-shaped, violet-blue flowers opening from inflated, balloon-like buds all summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, light, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in pots or in situ
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
Cut down to the base in autumn
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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