Balloon Flower

You're going to absolutely love this perennial here in Tennessee. The foliage is fairly easy to care for then the buds are so cool - first the blooms are round and balloon like (looking like they're filled with hot air lol) Then they blooms up up into a long lasting 3" star shaped flower. The dwarf growing, 8-12 in. tall plants are exceptionally bushy and branching, blooming heavily in summer. These are an  excellent low-growing border or rock garden plant. It is a prolific bloomer that is pest and disease free. We're going to class these perennials as partial sun although they do well for a couple of hours in hot afternoon sun. Unfortunately here in Chattanooga, If they're in full hot summer sun all day (into sun-set), the foliage can turn a bit chlorotic in late summer even if watered well.

Care

Thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist. Once established, it becomes somewhat drought-tolerant. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage extended blooming. Applying a layer of mulch around the plant helps maintain soil moisture and regulate temperature.

Growth Habit

Grows to a height of about 1 to 2.5 feet (30 to 75 cm) with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet (30 to 45 cm). This herbaceous perennial is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9. The plant features bright green, toothed leaves and its distinctive balloon-like buds open into eye-catching, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue, white, or pink. The flowers add visual interest to the garden from mid to late summer.

Toxicity

Balloon Flower is generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.