Platycodon Astra F1 White

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Campanulaceae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Platycodon

Species

grandiflorus

Description

An ornamental perennial herbaceous plant, compact and erect in habit; the showy, umbrella-like flowers open from buds with a distinctive rounded shape from mid-spring until mid- or late summer, depending on the variety. It does not require any special cultivation care and is very easy to grow, preferring exposures in half-shade or full sun; during the winter it tends to shed its aerial part and go into vegetative rest until the following spring. Suitable for embellishing flower beds or planters, also in composition with other ornamental flowering species.

Species video

https://youtu.be/-7K9Z3piNsE

Variety description

Perennial plant with an excellent spring-summer flowering. It can also be planted in shady areas, where it disappears in winter and flowers again in late spring.

Curiosities and special features

The generic epithet Platycodon derives from the Greek words platys meaning wide and kodon meaning bell referring to the shape of the flower corolla, while the specific term grandiflorus means 'large-flowered'; in the Anglo-Saxon world it is called 'Balloon flower' in relation to its flower buds that swell like balloons before opening.

In Japan, it is known as 'Kikyo', taking on mystical significance as an important symbol in Taoism since each of the five petals represents the 'five elements' of the Tao, i.e. wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the Far East, particularly China, Korea and Japan where it is also used in traditional medicine and cooking, as well as the Russian Far East; it arrived in Europe at the end of the 18th century but did not meet with much success until the British botanist and explorer R. Fortune sent some seeds to London during a trip to China in the 1800s and was greatly appreciated, from which time it spread throughout Europe as an ornamental plant.

Flower size

The flower is singularly small, united in a larger umbel inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

Flowering lasts from mid-spring to early autumn for 40 to 60 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence flower head.

Leaf colour

Solid colours.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.2 to 0.25 m, making it ideal both for creating homogeneous monochrome groups and in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants, even of different sizes, in order to create perspective views with high landscape value.

Lifespan

A perennial plant, it goes into vegetative rest during the winter.

Where to plant

With its lush blooms, it is the ideal solution for decorating outdoor spaces such as flower beds, planters, balconies, outdoor tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a rounded corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in head-like inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from mid-spring to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 40 and 60 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A compact growing variety, an excellent choice for creating dense and colourful arrangements.

Plant habit

The erect habit is visually reinforced by the elegant inflorescences.

Branching

Scanty branching but with a proportionate ratio of flowers to leaves.

PH

It prefers a slightly acidic soil or substrate pH between 5.8 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Prior to transplanting into the bed in mid-spring, carry out surface digging removing any weeds, bulky stones and residues from previous cultivation. It is also advisable to add professional-quality substrate to the surface by approx. 5/10 cm and carefully level it out.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

For luxuriant flowering, exposure in half shade to full sun is recommended.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 25 °C; in winter the plant tends to shed its aerial part and goes into vegetative rest.

Use

Particularly appreciated by garden enthusiasts at all levels of experience for its elegant inflorescences as a perennial plant in
Ornamental

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness, it adapts to different soil types.

Soil

The ideal soil for campanula grandiflora is medium-textured or peaty, light and well-draining; for use in pots and planters, a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

It is extremely easy to cultivate and maintain, the level of management effort is low and requires no specific skills, making it the optimal choice even for novice ornamental green lovers.

Growing tips

For optimal vegetative growth and abundant flowering, one or more variety-specific cultivation recommendations are given:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

It is possible to create harmonious compositions with other ornamental species through colour combinations in relaxing pastel shades where each colour takes on equal weight without dominating the others, or by grouping bright, saturated colours in cohesive patterns; combinations with Achillea, Angelonia angustifolia, Echinacea, Phlox paniculata are recommended.

Planting

Balanced vegetative growth also derives from a suitable planting pattern, so an average bed density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended to achieve a well-proportioned and harmonious overall result. It is also advisable to position each plant with the collar outside the soil surface without sinking the root ball completely and watering immediately after transplanting, preferably during the morning hours, while preventing water stagnation.

Propagation

Multiplication can take place from seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with a sub-acidic optimum pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. At transplanting, assist the seedling, which may be more susceptible to stress at the new planting site, by regular interventions. Thereafter always keep the soil or substrate moist but avoid waterlogging which can cause root rot, also do not water the plant from above so as not to damage the flowers.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settlement, apply a specific fertiliser for ornamentals to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed diluted in the irrigation water without exceeding the frequency and dosage.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity for pets not known, avoid administration.

Edibility for humans

Species ornamental, not edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known, avoid ingestion.

Tip

Avoid placing the plants in areas with too much shade, it is a perennial plant, therefore it can be placed in flowerbeds together with other perennials, the vegetation during winter disappears completely.