Balloon-flower (Platycodon grandiflorus, Monogr. Campan.: 125 (1830))

Family: Campanulaceae

Author: (Jacq.) A.DC.

Bibliography: Monogr. Campan.: 125 (1830)

Year: 1830

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Platycodon

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Siberia to Japan and China

Description

The Balloon-flower, known scientifically as Platycodon grandiflorus, is a remarkable and visually captivating species that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. This perennial herb is well-regarded for its unique and whimsical balloon-like buds, which, when upon blooming, reveal a striking star-shaped blossom.

Native to the regions stretching from South-Eastern Siberia to Japan and China, the Balloon-flower thrives in these diverse climates. In the wild, they are typically found in meadows, grasslands, and on hillsides where they enjoy full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Gardeners across the world cherish this plant, not only for its distinguishing floral structure but also for its hardiness and minimal maintenance requirements.

In addition to its horticultural appeal, Platycodon grandiflorus has a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in its native range. The root of the plant is often used in herbal remedies, thought to possess various health benefits. Balancing both beauty and utility, the Balloon-flower continues to be a favorite among gardeners and herbalists alike.

For detailing the thorough taxonomy and biogeographic data, the authoritative account of its classification can be traced to the seminal work documented in “Monogr. Campan.: 125” from the year 1830, attributed to the distinguished botanist (Jacq.) A.DC.

Whether cultivated for its aesthetic allure or for its reputed medicinal value, the Balloon-flower stands out as a botanical gem with a distinctive charm and storied legacy.

Common Names

Eng: balloon flower, balloon-flower, chinese-bellflower, platycodon
Deu: großblütige ballonblume
Fra: platycodon à grandes fleures
Swe: praktklocka
Nld: ballonklokje
En: Balloon-flower, Chinese-bellflower, Balloon flower, Platycodon
Nl: Ballonklokje
Fr: Platycodon à grandes fleures
De: Großblütige Ballonblume
Sv: Praktklocka

Synonyms

• Platycodon glaucus var. subaphyllus (Nakai)
• Platycodon glaucus var. monanthus (Nakai)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. autumnalis ((Decne.) Voss)
• Platycodon sinensis (Lem.)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. duplex (Makino)
• Platycodon glaucus var. duplex ((Makino) Nakai)
• Platycodon glaucus ((Thunb.) Nakai)
• Platycodon chinensis (Lindl. & Paxton)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. pentapetalus (Makino)
• Platycodon autumnalis (Decne.)
• Platycodon glaucus f. albus (Makino)
• Platycodon glaucus f. bicolor (Makino)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. candolleanus (Franch.)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. leucanthus (H.Hara)
• Platycodon glaucus f. violaceus (Makino)
• Platycodon glaucus var. planicorollatus (Makino)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. glaucus ((Thunb.) Siebold & Zucc.)
• Platycodon glaucus var. rugosus (Makino)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. bicolor ((Makino) H.Hara)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. albiflorus ((Honda) H.Hara)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. subasepalus ((Honda) H.Hara)
• Wahlenbergia grandiflora ((Jacq.) Schrad.)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. japonicus (Stubenrauch)
• Platycodon glaucus f. subasepalus (Honda)
• Campanula gentianoides (Lam.)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. striatus (Stubenrauch)
• Campanula glauca (Thunb.)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. semiplenus (Stubenrauch)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. planicorollatus ((Makino) Nakai)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. albus (Stubenrauch)
• Platycodon mariesii f. albonanus (H.Hara)
• Platycodon glaucus f. albiflorus (Honda)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. monanthus ((Nakai) Hyun S.Kim)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. rugosus ((Makino) Nakai)
• Platycodon mariesii ((Lynch) Wittm.)
• Platycodon mariesii var. albus (Wittm.)
• Platycodon mariesii f. striatus ((Stubenrauch) H.Hara)
• Platycodon grandiflorus f. angustifolius (Regel)
• Platycodon glaucus var. pentapetalus ((Makino) Makino)
• Platycodon grandiflorus var. mariesii (Lynch)

Distribution

• Amur (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Chita (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 16, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Bruno HOUEL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Ron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2020 by Mejwis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Kenneth Parker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2021 by Didier EYCHENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by bsl erika (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Maëlle Fouché (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Gerrie Van Os (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Krisztián Szabó (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2022 by Jean Christophe Leroux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Kevin Imbrechts (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Amandine Garcia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2022 by Julie Heuschen (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 19, 2022 by Andromede13 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2021 by formeaujardin yoga du son (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by Willy Barbera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by gysin pat (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Guido Bonetti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by J Howard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2022 by George G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by franchi Gianni (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3164340)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:144523-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth