Plant, cultivate, propagate and more

Plant balloon flowers correctly

Once the last ground frosts have passed in spring, the time window for planting balloon flowers opens. In a sunny to partially shaded location, plant the planting pits 20-25 cm apart in well-drained soil. The excavation is mixed with compost and horn shavings so that the Asian beauties have everything they need. During soil preparation, place the potted root balls in water until completely soaked. Only then pot the Chinese bluebell to plant them in the ground while maintaining the previous planting depth. Water regularly and abundantly on the day of planting and in the following period, the rooting progresses quickly.

care tips

The care program is based on a balanced water and nutrient balance, in direct dependence on the general conditions at the selected location. The sunnier the location, the more frequently it is watered. The leaner the soil, the richer the nutrient supply is measured. These key points must be observed for successful cultivation:

• Keep the perennial constantly moist
• From April to August in the bed fertilize with compost and horn shavings
• Apply a liquid fertilizer to the pot every 14 days
• Rinse faded flowers as soon as possible
• Cut back close to the ground either in autumn or in early spring

Irrespective of its robust frost hardiness, the perennial can suffer from permanent wetness in winter. A protective layer of autumn leaves or needle brushwood effectively prevents damage. In the pot settles balloon flower ideally to frost-free winter quarters. If there is not enough space, the vessel is wrapped in jute, fleece or foil. A block of wood or a styrofoam plate underneath protects the root ball against the rising cold from the ground.
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Which location is suitable?

For a balloon flower in the garden, look for a place with the following conditions:

• Sunny to partially shaded position
• Warm and sheltered from the wind
• Fresh to semi-dry soil, preferably sandy-clay
• Humos, rich in nutrients and with a light lime content

In view of these wide-ranging requirements, the sun-drenched rock garden is just as suitable as the protected wooded edge, the mixed one perennial bed as well as in the pot the warm terrace and the south-facing balcony.
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The right planting distance

The balloon flower unfolds its distinctive effect wonderfully in small tuffs. This is especially true in front of the dark backdrop of deciduous trees or in the border of perennials in the vicinity of other summer beauties. With a planting distance of 20-25 cm, you are on the right track when it comes to creative design.

What soil does the plant need?

The demands of a balloon flower on the soil conditions can be easily met with a little care. The soil should be well drained so that the deep-reaching taproot can gain a foothold unhindered. Fresh to moderately dry soil with a sandy clay texture contributes to a long plant life. The perennial feels in good hands in a nutrient-rich, humus-rich soil that is slightly calcareous. For the pot substrate, this means that a structurally stable compost-based potting soil is a good choice, tweaked with something lava granules or sand.

What is the best planting time?

Although you hold a long-lasting perennial in your hands with a balloon flower, we still advise against the classic autumn planting. Spring planting from the end of April/beginning of May has proven itself in practice so that the Asian immigrant has enough time to take root.

When is flowering time?

The central flowering period of a balloon flower extends from July to August. If you consistently clean withered flowers, the enchanting bloom will last until September. If you cut back the perennial in a timely manner, it will not unnecessarily invest its energy in the growth of seed heads in favor of a long flowering period next year.
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Cut the balloon flower correctly

Already during the flowering period, withered bell flowers are consistently cut off to make room for a second bloom. As the flower festival draws to a close, the perennial begins to pull in. It is up to your individual decision whether the flower should produce seed heads for self-sowing. Of course, this feat of strength has a shortening effect on lifespan and vitality. The pruning takes place either immediately after flowering or only in late winter. Since the Chinese bellflower makes an excellent cut flower, cut the stems off at the base when they are in bud.
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Water balloon flower

The water requirement of a Chinese bellflower is medium to high. Water the perennial evenly and regularly, because drought stress has a negative effect on growth and the willingness to flower. During hot, dry summer periods, this can be the case every day, both in the bed and in the tub. The morning thumb test provides information about the watering requirement. Always pour the water directly onto the root disk with the spout of the jug, as long as no rays of sunlight are shining over the blossoms and leaves.

Fertilize balloon flowers properly

The perennial expends a lot of energy to bring out the extravagant balloon buds and lavish bell-shaped blooms. A balanced supply of nutrients during the vegetation period ensures that the Asian beauty of flowers does not run out of breath prematurely. How to fertilize properly:

• A nitrogen-focused start fertilization in April acts as the initial spark for this year's season
• Then fertilize the bed every 3-4 weeks with compost and horn shavings
• Supply balloon flowers in pots with a liquid fertilizer every 14 days from April to August

This year's application of fertilizer ends in mid-August at the latest, so that the perennial matures in time before winter.

hibernate

Assigned to the winter hardiness zone Z4, the balloon flower endures temperatures down to -28.4 degrees Celsius. It is not so much the freezing frost that affects it as the fluctuations between frost and thaw and the resulting permanent wetness. As a precaution, experienced hobby gardeners spread a layer of leaves and brushwood over the root disc. Cultivated in a pot, the Chinese bellflower ideally moves to a frost-free winter quarters. Alternatively, the planter can be given a winter coat made of fleece, jute or bubble wrap and a wooden base to insulate against the cold.
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Multiply balloon flower

Due to the elongated, turnip-like taproot, the propagation of balloon flowers by division is not very promising. If you want more copies, it turns out that sowing as practical. Follow these steps:

• Scatter the brown, egg-shaped seeds on peat sand or commercial seed compost
• Sift sand over seed-thick, press down and moisten with a fine showerhead
• Place in the indoor greenhouse or under a transparent hood on the partially shaded windowsill
• At a constant 20 degrees Celsius, germination begins within 8-14 days

As soon as the seedlings have 2 pairs of leaves, they are pricked out. Start sowing at the end of February/beginning of March, and in May you will have strong young plants in your hands, ready to be transplanted into the bed. Please note that only F1 hybrids have the potential to flower reliably in the first year. Seedlings from normal seeds sometimes take 1 to 2 years to flower.
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How do I plant correctly?

Do not expect your balloon flower to change location in the bed, because the Asian beauty will react extremely angrily. Since the perennial drives a deep-reaching taproot into the ground, any attempt at transplanting is unsuccessful. In contrast, repotting succeeds without any problems. As soon as the Chinese bellflower has completely rooted its pot, it makes sense to switch to a larger planter. The best time for this care measure is early spring, just before the new shoots.

Balloon flower in pot

The balloon flower spreads its picturesque flair wonderfully in a pot on the summery balcony. In order for the cultivation to run smoothly, when choosing a high-quality potting soil don't skimp. Avoid substrates containing peat in favor of structurally stable quality goods that are enriched with lava granules, expanded clay and other additives. Some potsherds above the water drain prevent harmful waterlogging as drainage. Under these optimal conditions, the care program is limited to these points:

• Keep the substrate constantly moist without causing waterlogging
• Apply a liquid fertilizer for flowering plants every 14 days from May to August
• Rinse faded flowers regularly
• Cut back close to the ground either in autumn or late winter

If the pot has a diameter of less than 30 cm, move it to a frost-free winter quarters as a precaution. This can be the garage or the unheated stairwell or a similar space. Wrap larger buckets with bubble wrap or jute ribbons and position them on a block of wood in front of the south wall of the house.

Is balloon flower poisonous?

The use of leaves, flowers and roots in Asian cuisine and folk medicine belies their health-endangering status. In fact, the balloon flower contains toxic saponins and other questionable ingredients. The University of Georgetown wanted to know for sure and confirms the toxicity. Although the perennial's healing powers cannot be denied, hobby gardeners should avoid cultivating it within reach of children and pets.
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Beautiful varieties

• Fuji Pink: As the balloon-like buds unfold, the flower dresses in soft pink bell-shaped petals
• Mariesii: The variety impresses with magnificent bell-shaped flowers in an intensely bright blue
• Fuji White: Pure white flowering balloon flower that contrasts beautifully with blue flowering species and cultivars
• Astra Blue: Premium variety with violet-blue flowers and robust longevity
• Mother-of-pearl shell: Noble cultivation with shimmering mother-of-pearl bell-shaped flowers and expansive habit
• Hakone Blue: Gorgeous hybrid with rich blue double layered petals
• Early Sentimental Blue: Valuable F1 hybrid with compact and small growth; ideal for pot culture
• Fariy Snow: The white bell-shaped flowers are interspersed with delicate blue stripes; very stable breeding