Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC.

Balloon flower, Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower

About plant names...

Although related to bellflowers, balloon flowers are the only members of the genus Platycodon, meaning "broad bell." The name "balloon flower" comes from the appearance of the unopened flowers, which resemble hot air balloons. It is native to China, Korea, Japan, and eastern Siberia. It is becoming naturalized in a few states in the United States, and its cultivars are popular in flower gardens.

Identification: Plants are 12-36" (30-91 cm) tall. Star-shaped 5-petaled flowers are blue, blue-violet, white, or pink, 2-3" (5-7.6 cm) across. Leaves are oval-shaped, with serrated edges and pointed tips, 1½-3" (3.8-7.6 cm) long.

Edibility: The large roots, which are toxic when raw, are prized in Asian cuisines when cooked. Roots are peeled, blanched in salt water, then fried, pickled, or added to soups. They contain antioxidants and immunostimulants. Uppermost leaves are also edible as an addition to salads.

Online References:

in Paghat's Garden

BayImages.net

Wikimedia Commons

Www.chicago-botanic.org

Plants.ces.ncsu.edu

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

7/17/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine
≈ 9 × 6" (23 × 15 cm) ID is uncertain

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

8/4/2007 · Tom and Susan’s, Pepperell, Mass­a­chu­setts

Platycodon grandiflorus description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.

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7/17/2010 · Stan and Connie’s, Falmouth, Maine
≈ 9 × 6" (23 × 15 cm) ID is uncertain

8/15/2009 · Naumanns, Chelmsford, Mass­a­chu­setts
≈ 9 × 7" (22 × 17 cm)

7/31/2008 · Falmouth, Maine
≈ 20 × 15" (50 × 37 cm)

Range: Zones 4-9:

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