General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Division and transplanting are possible but tricky because of the fragile, fleshy root systems of these plants, and it is probably best to leave plants undisturbed once established. Deadheading spend flowers generally prolongs the bloom period. New season plant stems emerge late in spring, so gardeners must be careful not to damage crowns by early cultivation (leaving several inches of old plant stem in place throughout winter to the point when the new growth first appears helps mark plant locations). Many of the P. grandiflorus cultivars come true from seed. 'Komachi' can be purchased as seed and may self-seed in the garden in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Balloon flower is a clump-forming perennial which is so named because its flower buds puff up like balloons before bursting open into outward to upward facing, bell-shaped flowers with five pointed lobes. 'Komachi' is somewhat unique because its 2" diameter, blue, balloon-shaped buds inflate but never burst open (they remain as balloons). Flowers appear singly or in small clusters atop erect stems typically growing 12-24" tall. Oval, dentate leaves to 3" long. Blooms throughout the summer.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Plants emerge late in spring.
Uses:
Borders. Cottage gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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