Platycodon grandiflorus, commonly known as balloon flower, is a hardy perennial in the campanula family (Campanulaceae) native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, Korea, and parts of Russia. It earns its charming common name from the balloon-like buds that swell before bursting open into star-shaped blossoms, typically in shades of deep blue-violet, though white and pink cultivars also exist. The plant usually reaches 1 to 2 feet in height, forming clumps of upright stems with lance-shaped, toothed leaves that add texture to the garden even when not in bloom. Flowering occurs in mid to late summer, offering a striking display when many early-season perennials have already faded. Its blooms are five-petaled, with a striking symmetry and rich coloration that make them popular in ornamental gardens and as cut flowers. Balloon flower is valued for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade, and it is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is cold hardy, tolerating winters in temperate climates, and its deep taproot helps it withstand drought.