Balloon Flower
Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is a hardy, clump‑forming perennial in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), named for its inflated, balloon‑like buds that pop into five‑pointed, starry blossoms in blue‑violet, white, or pink. Native to East Asia, it’s valued both as a garden plant and a long‑lasting cut flower; its roots are also used in traditional cuisine and herbal medicine.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Birthday
- Get well soon
- Graduation
- Housewarming
- Sympathy/Remembrance
- Teacher appreciation
Suitable for
- Romantic partner
- Close friend
- Teacher or mentor
- Coworker
- Parent or grandparent
Color taboos
- All‑white arrangements may read as mourning/funeral in parts of East Asia—avoid for festive gifts.
- Very dark purple palettes can feel somber; use lighter tones for celebrations.
- Yellow can imply jealousy in some Western contexts—mix with other colors for romantic gifts.
- Black‑dyed or overly dark mixes can feel funereal or heavy for hospital deliveries.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Family: Campanulaceae; Genus: Platycodon; Species: Platycodon grandiflorus; Common names: Balloon Flower, Chinese Bellflower (kikyō, doraji).
Distribution
Native to China, Korea, Japan, and the Russian Far East; widely cultivated and naturalized in temperate regions of Europe and North America.
Conservation
Not globally threatened, but wild populations in parts of East Asia face pressure from habitat loss and overharvesting for medicinal roots. Prefer nursery‑propagated plants and sustainably sourced cut stems.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Present with a note that some buds will open over several days. For happy occasions, favor blue or mixed pastels over all‑white in East Asian contexts. Trim stems at an angle, strip lower leaves, and place in clean water with flower food; avoid crushing the balloon buds. Refresh water every 2–3 days and keep away from heat and ripening fruit (ethylene).
Ideal delivery time
Deliver in the morning with buds slightly inflated (for the signature “pop‑open” effect). Peak seasonal availability is mid‑ to late summer; for events, deliver 1 day prior.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Non‑toxic to humans; roots are edible when prepared (used in East Asian cuisine) but contain saponins. Generally low toxicity to pets; large ingestion may cause mild GI upset. Milky sap can irritate sensitive skin—wear gloves when pruning.
Allergenicity
Generally low. Lightly pollinating, unscented blooms; sap may mildly irritate sensitive skin. Suitable for most allergy‑prone recipients compared with highly fragrant flowers.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
A symbol of unchanging love, honesty, and gratitude; in Japan (kikyō) its five‑pointed star bloom is linked to sincerity and the five elements, and it is also used as a motif of remembrance.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Hardy perennial (USDA Zones ~3–8). Full sun to light shade; best bloom in 6+ hours of sun. Prefers well‑drained, loamy soil (pH ~6.0–7.5); avoid winter‑wet sites to prevent crown rot. Space 12–18 in (30–45 cm). Water regularly the first season, then moderately drought‑tolerant. Slow to emerge in spring—do not disturb crowns. Pinch once early to reduce flopping; stake taller cultivars. Deadhead to extend bloom (mid‑ to late summer). Propagate from seed or root cuttings; division is difficult due to deep taproots. Generally deer/rabbit resistant; watch for slugs and root rot in wet soils.
Recommended tools
- Hand trowel
- Bypass pruners or snips
- Watering can/soaker hose
- Bamboo stakes or small supports
- Mulch
- Gardening gloves
Symbolizes
- Unchanging love
- Honesty and sincerity
- Gratitude
- Remembrance
- Devotion