The balloon flower more than deserves its name because of the shape of its buds, while the open flowers of the Chinese bellflower, as this plant is also called, are no longer reminiscent of it. Unfortunately, it is not very easy to care for.
How do you properly care for a balloon flower?
The balloon flower requires a sunny to partially shaded location, with well-drained soil and protection from cold wind and heavy rain. Regular watering and fertilizing, as well as frost protection in young plants and planters ensure he althy perennials.
The best location and the right soil
The balloon flower only blooms beautifully if it receives at least three hours of sunlight a day. Your location should be warm and, depending on the flower color, sunny or semi-shady. Also protect the balloon flower from pelting rain and cold wind.
Choose the location carefully to avoid transplanting later. The soil should be well-drained so that waterlogging does not occur later. If necessary, mix some sand into the potting soil to prevent it from compacting. The balloon flower also tolerates calcareous soil.
Planting balloon flowers
The balloon flower has relatively long taproots, so you should dig the planting hole quite deep or use deep planters. Add some organic fertilizer (€56.00 on Amazon) such as well-rotted compost or horn shavings, insert the plant, fill with soil and water the roots well. The best time to plant is spring. Depending on the size of the plants, the distance should be around 30 cm.
Watering and fertilizing balloon flowers
Water the balloon flower abundantly after planting and regularly in spring and summer. The soil should only dry out slightly in between, but not dry out. Balloon flowers have quite high nutrient requirements. That's why they should be fertilized regularly in the planter. In the open field, horn shavings or compost are sufficient in spring and after flowering.
The balloon flower in winter
The balloon flower is hardy and can withstand frost down to around -15 °C. So it survives a normal winter well without any special measures. However, young perennials should be protected from hard frost with a layer of leaves, compost or brushwood. Balloon flowers in planters also need frost protection, as the root ball can easily freeze.
The most important care tips for balloon flowers:
- Location: sun or partial shade
- protect from cold wind and heavy rain
- permeable soil
- Avoid waterlogging
- fertilize a little in spring and autumn
- winterfest
Tip
The sun's rays change the color of the balloon flowers.