Platycodon grandiflorus Mariesii Blue

The 'Mariesii Blue' Balloon Flower is a selection of the Balloon Flower"known for its neat appearance and the vibrant colour of its large flowers. This semi-tuberous perennial plant, also known as the Large-flowered Bellflower, is easy to cultivate. It produces curious balloon-shaped flower buds throughout the summer, which open into large flowers with intense violet-blue colour veined with violet, and a wonderfully simple design, reminiscent of bellflowers. Sometimes slow to establish, it makes a strong impression in borders and containers.

The 'Mariesii Blue' Platycodon grandiflorus is a plant from the campanula family. Its wild ancestor, the Platycodon, is native to Asia, ranging from China to eastern Siberia, Japan, and Korea. This herbaceous perennial plant develops from a large fibrous root resembling a long turnip, which should be carefully left undisturbed once planted. The 'Mariesii Blue' platycodon develops its foliage quite late in spring. It forms a round and dense clump of leafy stems, with an upright and spreading habit, reaching approximately 35-40 cm (16in) in height when in flower, with a nearly equivalent diameter. Flowering occurs from June to September, depending on the climate, with a clear predominance in July-August. The individual flowers develop at the upper part of the stems, in the axils of the leaves. The rounded flower buds swell like small balloons, which open into large campanulate flowers, with a thick texture, in the shape of 5 cm (2in) wide stars, of a deep blue colour veined with violet. They are visited by pollinating insects and are followed by the formation of small black round seeds. The foliage is dense, thick, fleshy, with a matte bluish-green colour, slightly more glaucous on the underside. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, with irregularly toothed edges. The above-ground parts turn yellow and then take on red hues in autumn, before disappearing in winter. The Platycodon grandiflora overwinters in a dormant state underground.

Hardy and easy to grow, the 'Mariesii Blue' Platycodon grandiflorus thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, rich, and light soils, not too dry. Plant it at the edge of borders or in the back in the company of Oriental poppies, phlox, bellflowers, peonies, etc. It also grows very well in a deep pot to accommodate its impressive root system, with regular watering. Its large flowers are also beautiful in wildflower bouquets.