Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue'
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue' is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring bushy clumps of lance-shaped leaves and striking bell-shaped blue flowers that resemble balloons before they open, blooming in summer. This cultivar is prized for its vibrant, deep blue flowers with a slightly larger and more abundant bloom compared to wild types, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity
- Transplant seedlings after last frost, about 6 weeks later
- Water deeply once a week during dry periods
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall for propagation
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots when dividing
- Do not fertilize late in the season
- Keep away from excessively wet areas
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' questions
What zones can Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' grow in?
Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' deer resistant?
Yes — Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' bloom?
Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' need full sun?
Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Platycodon to compare
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Platycodon grandiflorus 'Mix'
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Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Pink'
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Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fairy Snow'
Balloon Flower Shell Pink
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Shell Pink'
Balloon Flower
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue'
Astra Double Blue Balloon Flower
Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Balloon Flower 'Sentimental Blue' with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
