The Beauty of the Balloon Flower
The balloon flower is a beautiful, unique bloom which has captivated the hearts of gardeners and flower lovers alike over its centuries-old history. Native to parts of eastern Asia including Japan, China, and Korea, the distinctive feature of the balloon flower is its unopened buds that look like little hot air balloons. Although the flowers may be white, blue, purple, or pale violet in colour, the most common variety of balloon flower is a beautiful deep blue.
Varieties of the Balloon Flower
The balloon flower belongs to the Plattophyllum genus and is itself comprised of several varieties. The Chinese balloon flower, adorning fields and roadsides, is known for being the hardiest of all with its deep green leaves and deep blue, star-shaped flowers. The Japanese variety is dubbed Plattophyllum japonicum, and is distinguished by its deep, bright blue flowers and finely serrated leaves, while the Korean type, Plattophyllum koreana, is a small, mounding variety with deep purple blooms.
Planting the Balloon Flower
The balloon flower is a moderately easy plant to grow and care for, although it has some special requirements to ensure it thrives. First, these hardy perennials should be planted in an area that receives full to partial shade, such as along the edge of woodlands or near trees, since this will help to protect the plants from intense sunlight that can harm their delicate blooms. Balloon flowers require well-drained, humus-rich soil and should be fertilized with a balanced, organic fertilizer in mid-summer.
Caring for Your Balloon Flowers
As with most plants, balloon flowers benefit from regular watering, although they should never be overwatered. The soil around the plants should be allowed to become slightly dry before it is watered again, to ensure the blooms get the necessary moisture without becoming overwhelmed by it. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye out for signs of disease or pests, as these can quickly undo the hard work of caring for your balloon flower.
Creating a Balloon Flower Garden
One of the most fun and rewarding ways to enjoy the beauty of a balloon flower is to create a garden devoted entirely to this unique bloom. When planning a balloon flower garden, it is important to remember that these plants grow best in full sunlight or partial shade, and that they require soil that is well drained and rich in organic matter. Once you’ve prepared the land, you can create a patchwork of colours and blooms by choosing several of the different varieties available and planting them in groups or rows.
Adding a Splash of Colour to the Garden
Whether you choose to simply admire the beauty of a single balloon flower or create a full-fledged garden devoted to these stunning blooms, there’s no denying that the balloon flower is the perfect way to add a splash of colour to the garden. Not only are they incredibly beautiful and unique, but they’re also incredibly hardy and easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginner and seasoned gardeners alike. No matter your level of experience, you’re sure to enjoy the beauty of the balloon flower for years to come.