when do balloon flowers bloom

When properly cared for, most varieties of balloon flowers will grow to be about two feet tall and about one foot wide, though dwarf varieties tend to be about half that size. The plant will begin blooming during late July or early August.

Do balloon flowers spread?

grandiflorus 'Fuji Blue' generally tops out at 18 to 24 inches tall with a spread of 12 to 18 inches. The flowers have a single row of deep blue petals, and measure between two and two and a half inches across. Well-suited to mid-bed placements, this type may require staking. 'Fuji Blue' may also produce double blooms.

Do you need to deadhead balloon flowers?

Balloon flowers benefit from deadheading. This process removes the spent blossoms before they begin producing seed, encouraging the plant to produce more flowers. Deadleafing, or removing dead leaves, is closely related to deadheading and usually performed at the same time.

How do you keep balloon flowers blooming?

Simply snip off the flower as it declines or break it off with your fingers. I prefer clipping, as it leaves a clean break. Take the top couple of leaves off at the same time to deadleaf. This directs the plant's energy downward to force out more flower buds.

Do you cut back balloon flowers in the fall?

Although balloon flowers are usually cut back in spring so the old stems can protect the plant roots from winter frost, you can also prune them back in late fall after the foliage dies back if you live in a mild climate.

Are balloon flowers invasive?

And part of the problem is that they are deer-resistant, drought-resistant, and generally pest free but the worst part is that balloon flowers have long, large tap roots. ... Breaking off the stem just encourages more stems to grow from the root.

How do you winterize balloon flowers?

Typically, you can simply cover the plant in an inch or two of mulch to protect it, but you can also use compost or leaves that fall from the trees to cover the plants and keep them moist and warm all winter.

Do balloon flowers attract butterflies?

Balloon flowers are tough plants that need little help from you to thrive. They're hardy perennials that will grow in sun to partial shade. ... Birds, bees and butterflies love them, so a patch of balloon flowers will draw wildlife to your garden.

Are balloon flowers poisonous?

Toxicity. Some parts of this plant are toxic, namely the roots and the basal leaves. However, some other parts of the plant are edible and can be used in soups or for flavoring (Plants for a Future).

Are balloon flowers deer resistant?

They are tough, low growing plants that require little care. They are long-lived and deer resistant: their easy care makes them a popular choice for tricky areas in a yard.

Can you grow balloon flowers in pots?

Balloon flower does well in containers and is great for cut flowers. It attracts butterflies and is a magnet for birds. The plant looks great as a border plant and is lovely in rock gardens.

Are balloon flowers poisonous to cats?

If you have a cat or dog that likes to nibble, beware. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the roots are even more toxic. ... Balloon Flower is a tall spikey plant bearing near purple flowers, like monkshood; plant it instead and keep your pets and yourself safe.

What colors do balloon flowers come in?

Most commonly available in blue-violet, balloon flowers also come in pink and white, as well as shorter forms that are better suited for rock gardens and containers.

Are balloon flowers edible?

All About Balloon Flower

These beautiful flowers can grow from six inches to up to three feet in height. ... In some parts of Asia, Platycodon grandiflorus is grown as an edible plant. Its roots are widely used as edible root vegetables and it is referred to as doraji (Korean).

What is balloon flower root?

Doraji is the root of the balloon flower, native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and East Siberia). It is also referred to as the Korean bellflower, Chinese bellflower, and Japanese bellflower. Whether dried or fresh, Doraji is a popular ingredient in salads and traditional Korean cuisine.

What is a hummingbird's favorite flower?

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular hold the most nectar, and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

What colors attract butterflies?

Plant type and color is important - Adult butterflies are attracted to red, yellow, orange, pink and purple blossoms that are flat-topped or clustered and have short flower tubes. Plant good nectar sources in the sun - Your key butterfly nectar source plants should receive full sun from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

What flowers do butterflies like the most?

Plants that attract butterflies

Alyssum.
Aster.
Bee balm.
Butterfly bush.
Calendula.
Cosmos.
Daylily.
Delphinium.

Are balloon plants poisonous to dogs?

Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus 'Misato Purple') | (zone 3-8) full sun - poisonous to dogs and children. Find this Pin and more on summer gardens by Diana Carlier.

What does balloon flower look like?

Growing balloon flowers with children can be quite fun. The opened flowers resemble those of bellflowers, their kissing cousin. While most often deep blue or purple, white and pink varieties are also available. Depending where you are, the balloon flower may also be known as Chinese or Japanese bellflower.

Which flowers are toxic?

Naughty by Nature: The Most Disgusting and Deadly Flowers

Rafflesia arnoldii the giant panda of the plant world.
Drosera rotundifolia The sinister sundew. ...
Abrus precatorius the deadly love bean. ...
Dracunculus vulgaris Dracula's flower. ...
Castor oil plant the most poisonous in the world. ...
Aconitum the devil's helmet. ...
Nerium oleander the sweetly scented killer. ...