Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue' (Balloon Flower)
Balloon Flower 'Astra Double Blue', Chinese Balloon Flower 'Astra Double Blue', Chinese Bellflower 'Astra Double Blue', Japanese Bellflower 'Astra Double Blue'

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra Double Blue' (Balloon Flower), a vigorous and floriferous dwarf herbaceous perennial, produces a profusion of fully double, bell-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers that can measure up to 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter. They open from huge, plump, balloon-like buds that nearly demand to be popped, like bellflowers (Campanula). The upward-facing blooms, which bloom all throughout the summer, are borne either singly or in tiny groups atop tall, branching, leafy stalks. This little Balloon Flower is ideal for cut flowers, containers, or the yard because it is versatile, hardy, and low maintenance.