Louise's Utopia: Why Add The Balloon Flower, The Fashionably Late Perennial, To Your Garden?

Balloon Flower Coteau Valley Farm

Has there been a time while dallying in the garden, a little unknown sprout appears? Your gardening mind panics, and it goes into survival mode. I must tear this unknown menace out quickly, because it must be a weed! Thoughts run wild. Wait! Before you rip the roots from the earth in a hissy, think hard. Has the fashionably late blue flower arrived? If you're interested in how the balloon flower compares in the garden, or if it is a good cut flower, read on!

So what does this late bloomer look like? Only the most striking little plant ever! The unmistakable balloon flower has five broad, flaring petals shaped like a balloon. It is a splendid addition for gardens with its lovely shade of blue. The stems of the balloon flower appear in late spring. The leaves have serrated margins, like a bread knife. The leaves are ovate, egg-shaped, and blue-green. Many gardeners mistake it for a weed. They pluck it out before it can get a chance to say, Hello!

I started the balloon flower pictured above from a seed that was gifted to me. I was pleased that the seeds actually grew. I love this flower. However, I nearly treated it as a weed. I almost pulled it out of the dirt when it was first peeking out of the ground. I'm glad I did not do that.

The lovely, sentimental blue colored flower, as it's lovingly called, happens to be overly finicky. It would not have grown back if I had muddled with it. It does not appreciate being disturbed in any way.

The balloon flower grows to eight (sometimes twenty-four) inches tall and spreads one foot wide. It prefers full sun to partial shade. These flowers also enjoy moist, loamy, well-drained soil. Balloon flowers will not grow in a soggy garden or a desert bed.

They are absolutely darling perennials. They fit perfectly in that little spot that needed something! And don't imagine that because they are small, they are not awe-inspiring. No way! Although minor in size, they are bright and loud. They fill their space with a bang! I like to put them around rocks or around wooden borders. The balloon flower can be deadheaded all summer. What a show! In the fall, cut the stem low to promote spring growth.

The balloon flower is also an excellent cut flower. It makes any vase as pretty as a picture. It can be collected for the vase while it is still just a round bud. This look adds a unique dimension to your floral ornamental design. The round, unopened flower bud looks very individual. The thrill of the beholder, no doubt. Ooh la la!

Before it's dropped into your beautiful vase full of a sugar water solution! There is one more step before... admiration! It's time (and please don't forget) to sear the end of the stem. This helps to avoid the milky sap mess that could ruin the clarity of the vase water. It also improves water absorption and prevents wilting. It's very easy to do this, so relax. One way to sear the flower is to dip it into boiling water. Searing should last about thirty seconds max. Only sear about ten percent of the stem length. Remember to protect the flower heads from the steam while searing the lower stem. Note: That is an important tip, as the hot steam directly on the buds will not turn out well for your floristry. Does boiling water sound like too much of a hassle? Fear not! Searing can also be accomplished with a lighter. Just flick it on and burn the ends! I don't recommend the flame route, though, as it is dangerous. But the stem can be seared in this way. It is a lot less work.

Is your garden looking for that latecomer? The cool kid of flowers, or just a great cut flower for your vase. The balloon flower is definitely your go-to perennial. Keep in mind it has to be treated kindly, as it's an easily offended plant. Go ahead and enjoy that sentimental blue. It'll light up that special sunny or half-shady spot. The balloon flower is a floating, good choice for the sharp-witted gardener! That is why the balloon flower is always welcome, although late, to my garden! Wahoo, parties starting when balloons arrive!

How The Balloon Flower Is The Late Bloomer

How The Balloon Flower Is The Late Bloomer