Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue'

Nature Hills Nursery

Dwarf Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower Blooms All Summer with Whimsical Pop-able Balloon Buds Kids Adore
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 8 ft Tall, 12 ft Wide
Showy Blue Blooms in Late Summer
Perfect for Border in Cottage Gardens

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: For the most vibrant blue color and sturdy stems, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While it handles partial shade well in hotter climates, too much shade often leads to floppy stems that require staking.
Soil: These plants crave organic, well-draining soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or aged bark to improve drainage, as their fleshy taproots will rot if they sit in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to help the deep taproot establish itself in your garden. Once mature, Sentimental Blue is quite drought-tolerant, but providing an inch of water per week during the heat of summer prevents the foliage from yellowing. Inconsistent moisture during the budding stage often results in smaller "balloons" and a shorter overall bloom cycle.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on new growth, you should leave the dead foliage standing through winter to mark the spot, as they are very late to emerge in spring. In late fall or early spring, cut the old stems back to the ground to make way for new shoots. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the summer encourages the plant to produce a second flush of flowers rather than putting its energy into seed production.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 formula) once in early spring as soon as you see new green growth poking through the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this stimulates tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A single spring feeding provides all the fuel needed for a full season of those iconic "inflated" buds.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Your Very Whimsical Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower

Amazing True-Blue Balloon Shaped Flowers
Easy To Grow and Care for
Low Maintenance Plant
Green-Grey Foliage

Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue') is one of the most unique plants that you will ever grow in your garden.

Even though it is a classic garden plant in Europe, it isn't often seen in American gardens, which is a shame. Help us trumpet the joys of this great garden flower by planting some at your home this year!

Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower has some of the most interesting flower buds ever and typically bloom from May to August.

They look for all the world like little blue hot-air balloons and they swell and swell until they burst open into beautiful true-blue flowers with purplish veining. Kids are enthralled by them.

Sentimental Blue is perfect in the front of the perennial border or lining a walkway. They make great accents in rock gardens and are star performers in containers.

Grey-green leaves back the long-lasting flowers which give them quite the 'designer look', which are perfect for cutting too.

Sentimental Blue is very low-maintenance once it's established, but note that it emerges late in the spring so care must be taken not to damage the crowns with early spring cultivation. With very little care this beauty will reward you with years of garden whimsy!

Order your very own Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower today from Nature Hills! It's a fan favorite, so the sooner you order the better!

Botanical Name

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Sentimental Blue'
Class

Magnoliopsida
Species

grandiflorus
Cultivar

Sentimental Blue
Growing Zones

3-8
Height

8 ft
Width

12 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Blue
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Green
Bloom Period

Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones can Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower survive in?

Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most temperate regions. This hardy perennial tolerates both cold winters and moderate heat. Plant in well-draining soil for best winter survival.

How tall and wide does Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower grow at maturity?

Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower reaches 8-12 inches tall and spreads 6-10 inches wide at maturity. This compact size makes it ideal for front borders, walkway edging, and containers. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial that delivers big impact in small spaces.

How often should I water my newly planted Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower?

Water newly planted Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month. Once established, this low-maintenance perennial is quite drought tolerant. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep and water when dry.

Is Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower considered a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower is a moderate grower that establishes slowly but rewards patience with years of reliable blooms. It emerges late in spring, so mark its location to avoid accidentally disturbing the crown during early garden cleanup.

Is Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower deer resistant?

Balloon flowers are generally deer resistant due to their slightly bitter taste and tough foliage texture. Sentimental Blue's grey-green leaves are typically left alone by browsing deer. For best results in deer-prone areas, plant them in your perennial border or rock garden where you can shop at Nature Hills.

Which plants pair well with Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower in a garden design?

Sentimental Blue pairs beautifully with white or yellow perennials that bloom May through August, like Shasta daisies or coreopsis. The grey-green foliage complements silver plants such as lamb's ear or artemisia. Plant companions that emerge early since balloon flowers are late spring risers.