Balloon Flower

(Chinese bellflower; Jie geng) As its name suggests, the buds resemble balloons just before bursting open, flaring out with bundles of star-shaped blue-purple flowers that appear mid-late summer. Native to East Asia, the balloon flowers roots are used in Chinese medicine to resolve symptoms of respiratory tract infections; also eaten as a vegetable in Korean and Japanese dishes. Sow into moist, well-draining, slightly acidic loam. Seeds need stratification and light for germination, so following a chill cycle, lightly press seeds into the ground, allowing sunlight to penetrate. Locate in full sun to partial shade; non-invasive and deer resistant. Ht 4-20in; Spread 4-20in.