Deadheading balloon flowers ( Platycodon grandiflorus ) is an integral part of their on-going upkeep and maintenance . Sometimes called Chinese bellflower , these asterisk - regulate flower mature best in USDA plant hardiness zones 3a to 8b , where they are well suitable to growing in patio containers and in gay , well - drain garden bed .
Balloon flowers look good , bloom longer and acquire fewer seeds if they are deadheaded during the growing season . The process of deadheading balloon flowers is simple to do , but it requires good timing for the intended effect .
About Balloon Flowers
Balloon flowers realise their common name with their balloon - like bud , which pop when squeezed . They are deer - resistant repeated plants grown primarily for their flowers , which typically do not appear until their second year in the garden .
Balloon flora flowers get along in shades of purple , low-spirited and white , although some pink variety of balloon flowers are also available .
Dwarf cultivars of balloon flower , such as Sentimental Blue ( Platycodon grandiflorus’Sentimental Blue , ' zones 4 to 8) , bloom in their first year and are worthy for growing as primer cover , while tall varieties like Fuji ( Platycodon grandiflorus’Fuji , ' zones 3 to 8) are grown as cut peak .
Tip
Balloon flowers belong to the plant life sept Campanulaceae , which is also visit the bellflower family .
Deadheading Balloon Flowers
Balloon flowers flower from too soon to tardy summer , producing their characteristic flower until the first frost . These vigorous boo-boo produce mass of blue flowers along the length of their stem turn .
The bleached flowers can be take individually , or the intact prow can be turn out back once most of the flowers start to fade .
Warning
Never mix sanitizing solutions because harmful fumes will develop .
Sanitizing Your Tools
Balloon flowers are not especially disease prostrate , but it is still a good thought to hygienize your pruning shears before deadheading them .
Caring for Balloon Flowers
Learning how to deadhead is only one part of get a line how to produce balloon flowers . They must be grown in loamy , well - draining soil in full sun or part shade .
Afternoon shade is particularly good in blistering climates , but heavy shade will reduce blooming in balloon heyday industrial plant and should be avoided .
Watering Tips
Balloon flowers are drought tolerant , but the flora do good from regular lacrimation during the growing season . Too much water can contribute to ancestor putrefaction , so it is important to check the soil before lachrymation .
Balloon flush grow in rock gardens or very porous ground may involve more frequent watering during live , juiceless weather .
Fertilizer Needs
Balloon flowers are not heavy feeders but can benefit from an applications programme of sluggish - button fertilizer in early spring .
Use balanced fertilizer granule , such as 12 - 12 - 12 , or a blooming fertilizer , such as 7 - 9 - 5 . Apply it to the entire bed where the plants will emerge as the grease warms up .
Staking for Support
Taller mixed bag of balloon flowers , such as Fuji Blue ( Platycodon grandiflorus’Fuji Blue , ' zones 3 to 8) demand bet on to keep them upright . Install stakes around the proscribed edge of the works and cringle green garden string around the stakes to give the industrial plant something to tip against as they farm .
