Product Description
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Balloon Flower.
Blossoms swell into balloon-like buds, before they burst open into beautiful blue, dwarf bell-shaped flowers. 'Sentimental Blue' is an excellent low-growing border or rock garden plant. It is a prolific bloomer that is pest and disease free. Deadheading generally prolongs the bloom period.
Platycodons are easy, trouble-free perennials that thrive average, medium, well-drained soil. 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. Division and transplanting are possible but tricky because of the fragile, fleshy root systems of these plants, and it is probably best to leave plants undisturbed once established. Cut the whole plant back after the first hard frost.
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 6 to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, herbaceous clump-forming perennial.Low Water Needs
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Attributes: flower borders, containers, cut flowers, mass plantings. Deer resistant.
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' is a charming and low-maintenance perennial that adds a touch of whimsy to gardens with their unique balloon-like buds and beautiful blue flowers. Here is a closer look at what makes it so appealing:
Appearance:
- Balloon-like buds: 'Sentimental Blue' is known for its distinctive, plump buds that resemble tiny hot air balloons. These buds are a delight in themselves, adding interest even before the flowers open.
- Star-shaped flowers: The buds open into beautiful, bell-shaped flowers in a clear, vibrant shade of blue. The petals have a slightly pointed shape, giving the flowers a star-like appearance.
- Compact size: 'Sentimental Blue' is a dwarf cultivar, typically growing only 6-12 inches tall. This makes it a great choice for small gardens, rock gardens, or containers.
Growing Conditions:
- Sun to part shade: It thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
- Well-drained soil: It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought once established.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Borders and edging: Its compact size makes it perfect for edging borders or pathways.
- Rock gardens: It adds a splash of color and interest to rock gardens.
- Containers: It can be grown in containers, adding a touch of charm to patios or decks.
- Cut flowers: The flowers are long-lasting and make beautiful additions to bouquets.
Benefits:
- Unique and eye-catching: The balloon-like buds and star-shaped flowers are sure to attract attention.
- Long bloom time: 'Sentimental Blue' blooms for a long period in summer, providing weeks of color.
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care.
- Deer resistant: Deer tend to avoid Platycodon.
Things to keep in mind:
- Late to emerge: Platycodon emerges late in spring, so do not be alarmed if you do not see any growth until later in the season.
- Taproot: It has a taproot, so it is best to plant it in its permanent location and avoid transplanting it if possible.
Overall, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' is a charming and easy-to-grow perennial that will add a touch of whimsy to your garden with its unique buds and beautiful blue flowers. It is a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
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!
