Platycodon grandiflorus (common names: Balloon Flower)

It is hardy to zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs)
The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

I agree about the hardiness. Here in N Yorks I have had some , which I grew from seed, for several years without any problems.They are just starting to flower this month.

They survive the winter here and we are as cold as it gets in lowland England. They do need a well drained soil though. Ours are in a gravel garden andhtye not only thrive they self seed all over the place. Remember to mark their place wll, they are early to bed and late to rise. IE They do not show until late May, flower and die down.

Hi, it all depends where you live and how many plants you have. If you are in the south or your garden is very well protected, it might even make it as a hardy one.A good way to be able to lift small plants like the balloon flower is to plant them with their pots and then you lift the whole thing and bring it inside if you have the space. Otherwise, check the following:
http://www.gpnmag.com/Platycodon-grandiflorus-Miss-Tilly-article8961
Best of luck with them, they are really pretty.

Spectacular. What design, so perfect.

would you be offended if i declined your kind offer andrew lol

I've got lots more you can have Irish - slugs and snails that is :-)

I so love them mine are in containers for now so I cna move around patio or garden.

i think i have all the worlds slugs and snails here lol

Mine has suddenly died after many years : (

Nice photo, love the veining. These are one of my garden favorites.

fab colour

Lovely close-up, another great looking platycodon.

That is lovely, and I do love white flowers.

Andrew I bought a white one and a blue on last week these are so beautiful.

I have never grown them before.

How do I care for them over the winter?

And are they easy to propagate?

that is beautiful

Lovely colour combination. Nice shaped flowers.

Lovely!

save me some seeds!!!

Another garden favorite of mine, they are awesome !

One of my garden favorites, and an excellent performer for me. Great close-up.

Slugs chew any campanula I try to grow.
Any suggestions, please!

It is related to the campanula PP and it is hardy , but as it is new to me we will see after the winter LOL

Very Pretty love the deep violet in the centre., looks a little like a larger version of campanula, any relation and is it hardy?

Very tender blossoms. Lovely.