Balloon Flowers

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32127, 24 October 1969, Page 6

Balloon Flowers

There are not many plants which can be grown in the garden and said to be relatively free from the attentions of pests and diseases, drought-resistant, long lasting of flower and attractive as well, but the platycodons do qualify comfortably. The plant has a great advantage over other perennials in that it always stays neat and compact. To some the name balloon flower may sound more familiar while others may know these plants as Chinese or Japanese bell flowers. The common names have been derived ftom the facts that the unopened flower buds resemble balloons and the cupshaped flowers themselves look like bells while the plants are indigenous to China and Japan. These perennials can be

sown from seed in spring through to autumn, or propagated from cuttings of young shoots or from division. The latter method which can be attempted during the winter months is the most difficult mainly because of the fleshy nature of the roots which are probably responsible for their comparative drought resistance. The nature of the roots also indicates that heavy soils, particularly those which are poorly drained, are not suitable for their culture. Platycodons are predominently blue flowered, or shades, 4n blue and single, although seedless doubles and pink and pure white together with beautifully veined forms are also available. Flowers begin to appear in early summer. The leaves are lanced shaped, irregularly toothed smooth or leathery.