Balloon flower. Whoever gave this rather odd perennial its common name, hit the nail on the head and in two quick words tells the gardener exactly what to expect. Plump, singular buds puff up like true blue baloons and just when you think they might pop, they open as charming bell-shaped flowers much like those of one of the larger Campanulas. Blue-green foliage with toothed margins grows 6-8” high and spreads about as wide. Plants grow equally well in sun or part shade in any deep, well-drained soil. Provide moderate water especially during the summer blooming season, and use with other colorful bloomers in the herbaceous border, containers, or in rock gardens. Hardy to 0F. China, Japan.
