balloon flower

Classic balloon flowers produce 2-3″ wide, periwinkle blue, white and pink, saucer shaped flowers that begin as balloon shaped buds that “pop” when squeezed. Foliage is oval shaped with a complementary blue-green color. Use as a front border plant or in a cottage garden with other summer bloomers.

Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic, nutrient rich soil amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water, once a week the first year. Use Plant-tone and Iron-tone in spring or at planting; apply Osmocote in summer. Mulch 1-2” to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in spring; dig deeply to not disturb roots.