Platycodon grandiflorus Duo Mix – Planting & Care Guide

About Platycodon grandiflorus Duo Mix

Platycodon grandiflorus Duo Mix, commonly known as the Balloon Flower, is a charming clump-forming perennial loved for its distinctive balloon-shaped flower buds that gradually open into beautiful star-shaped blooms. This attractive mix produces flowers in complementary shades of blue, violet, pink and white, creating a colourful display from early summer through late summer.

Growing to approximately 40–60cm tall with a spread of 30–45cm, Balloon Flowers are perfect for borders, cottage gardens, patio containers and cut flower displays. Their upright habit and long-lasting blooms provide excellent garden interest, while the nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun or partial shade.
• Choose a sheltered position with good air circulation.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve poor soils by adding compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its container, taking care not to damage the fleshy roots.
• Position the crown level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Space plants approximately 30–45cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Platycodon Duo Mix is a reliable perennial that requires very little maintenance once established.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water during prolonged dry periods.
• Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.
• Feed in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Refresh mulch annually to improve soil fertility and conserve moisture.
• Remove weeds regularly from around the base.
• Deadhead faded flowers to encourage additional blooms.
• Avoid disturbing established plants, as Balloon Flowers develop deep fleshy roots.
• Taller plants may benefit from light support in exposed locations.

Pruning

Very little pruning is required.

• Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage prolonged flowering.
• Cut back old stems to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
• Remove any dead or damaged growth as needed.
• Leave foliage to die back naturally before cutting it down.
• Divide only when necessary, as mature plants prefer to remain undisturbed.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Platycodon grandiflorus Duo Mix
• Common Name: Balloon Flower
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 40–60cm
• Spread: 30–45cm
• Flower Colours: Blue, violet, pink and white
• Flowering Period: June to August
• Foliage: Fresh green
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Platycodon Duo Mix is perfect for adding elegant colour and unusual flowers to many garden styles.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Front and middle of borders
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Cut flower gardens
• Courtyard gardens
• Contemporary planting schemes
• Small urban gardens

It combines beautifully with Salvia, Nepeta, Geranium, Campanula, Echinacea, Coreopsis, Veronica and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh green foliage emerges in spring.
• Distinctive balloon-like buds appear in early summer.
• Star-shaped flowers provide colour throughout summer.
• Blooms attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Upright stems add structure to borders.
• Plants die back in winter before producing fresh growth the following spring.

Common Problems

Platycodon Duo Mix is generally healthy and easy to grow.

• Poor drainage can lead to root rot.
• Slugs and snails may feed on young spring shoots.
• Taller stems may lean in very rich soils or exposed gardens.
• Avoid moving established plants, as they dislike root disturbance.
• Good drainage and regular deadheading help maintain healthy, vigorous plants.

With its unique balloon-shaped buds, elegant star-shaped flowers and long flowering season, Platycodon grandiflorus Duo Mix is a delightful perennial for Irish gardens. Easy to grow and exceptionally hardy, it provides reliable summer colour in borders, containers and cottage gardens while attracting pollinators and producing attractive cut flowers for the home

• Size
  P12

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

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All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via DPD Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

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Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

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