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Astra Pink
Astra Series; dwarf selection
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Astra Series; dwarf selection
- Height × spread: 8-18 in (20-45 cm) × 10-20 in (25-50 cm)
- Bloom window: mid July to early September
- Color & flower form: soft pink; single, star-shaped from balloon buds
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 3-8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut-flower notes: short stems suit small arrangements; sear cut ends to prevent sap bleed
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- More compact than typical balloon flower.
- Pink color rather than the usual violet-blue tones.
- Seed-strain variability can alter final plant size.
- Generally less need for staking than tall strains.
Strengths
- Neat mound habit for edging and pots.
- Consistent midsummer bloom with deadheading.
- Cold hardy in northern climates.
- Low maintenance under average conditions.
Care in one minute
Light: full sun to light shade; afternoon shade helps in hot summers.
Soil: well-drained loam; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Water: regular moisture; avoid prolonged wetness.
Feeding: light spring fertilizer only.
Grooming: deadhead spent blooms; a light late-spring trim can keep plants compact.
Overwintering: mulch after hard frost in colder zones; do not disturb fleshy roots.
Watch‑outs
- Can stretch in shade and become lax.
- Crowns resent division and transplanting.
- Late to emerge in spring; mark the planting spot.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Astra cultivars were selected as compact seed lines for pot and garden use. Performance and final size can differ among seed lots.
References
- Chicago Botanic Garden – Platycodon cultivar trial notes (size variability)
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Platycodon grandiflorus (Plant Finder)
- RHS – Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Astra White’ cultivar profile
- NC State Extension – Platycodon grandiflorus profile
