The flowers of the Platycodon grandiflorus are blue, white or pink and are balloon-shaped in the bud. Balloon flower or bellflower is the common name of Platycodon grandiflorus. This intense bloomer obtains its name from the way each flower bud swells before its starry petals unfold.

Balloon flowers are a fine choice for a colorful accent in a border, and flower in July and August. Plants are carefree and long-lived in any reasonable soil and in a sunny spot.

Two-year-old plants reach at least two feet and are hardy in zone 3 to 10.

Excellent for cut flowers if ends are seared with a flame after cutting. Each stem produces many flowers.