Product Description
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Balloon Flower.
Blossoms swell into balloon-like buds, before they burst open into vibrant violet-blue, 2-2.5-inch, bell-shaped flowers. 'Double Blue' is a very reliable bloomer that is pest and disease free. Deadheading generally prolongs the bloom period.
Platycodons are easy, trouble-free perennials that thrive in almost any soil as long as it is well-drained. They can easily adapt to grow in either full sun or part shade. Be patient in the spring, as this genus is slow to emerge. Cut the whole plant back after the first hard frost. If you squeeze the buds, they making a popping sound, similar to a balloon popping.
Height: 20.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Mass Planting
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue', commonly known as Balloon Flower, is a charming perennial prized for its unique balloon-like buds that open into beautiful, bell-shaped flowers. 'Fuji Blue' is a particularly lovely variety with its captivating blue blooms. Here is a closer look at this delightful plant:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Fuji Blue' produces large, plump buds that resemble hot air balloons, hence the common name. These buds eventually open into star-shaped, deep lavender-blue flowers with 5 broad, pointed lobes.
- Foliage: The plant features lance-shaped, gray-green leaves that provide a nice backdrop to the vibrant blooms.
- Growth Habit: It has an upright and bushy growth habit, typically reaching around 12-24 inches in height and 12-18 inches in spread.
Growing Conditions:
- Hardiness Zones: 'Fuji Blue' is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun to partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal blooming.
- Soil: It grows best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost or other organic matter can improve drainage and fertility.
- Water: It requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it's essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Care:
- Deadheading: Removing spent flowers (deadheading) can encourage continuous blooming and prevent the plant from self-seeding.
- Staking: Taller varieties may require staking to prevent them from flopping over, especially in windy conditions.
- Fertilizing: Applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can help support healthy growth and abundant flowering.
- Mulching: Mulching around the plant can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the plant during harsh winters.
Benefits:
- Unique flowers: The balloon-like buds and star-shaped flowers add a touch of whimsy to the garden.
- Long bloom time: It blooms for an extended period, typically from summer to early fall.
- Cut flowers: The long-lasting flowers make excellent cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers are attractive to bees and other beneficial insects.
Uses:
- Borders: It adds vibrant color and vertical interest to garden borders.
- Cottage gardens: Its charming flowers blend well with the informal style of cottage gardens.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty on patios and balconies.
- Cut flower gardens: It is a great addition to cut flower gardens, providing long-lasting blooms for arrangements.
Companion Plants:
- Echinacea (Coneflower): The contrasting colors and textures of coneflowers and balloon flowers create a visually appealing combination.
- Daylilies: Daylilies offer a variety of colors and bloom times that complement balloon flowers.
- Rudbeckia (Black-eyed Susan): The bright yellow flowers of Rudbeckia contrast nicely with the blue blooms of 'Fuji Blue'.
- Ornamental grasses: Ornamental grasses add movement and texture to the garden while complementing the upright form of balloon flowers.
Overall, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue' is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of unique beauty to your garden. Its long bloom time, charming flowers, and ability to attract pollinators make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
