Balloon Flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) 'Fuji Blue'

Fuji Blue

Fuji Blue is a tall, reliable selection of Platycodon grandiflorus known for deep blue flowers on sturdy stems. It suits mid-border placements where height is an asset. Best performance comes in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture. Trials in the upper Midwest recorded a long bloom period from early July into September.

At‑a‑glance

Group/Class: Fuji Series; tall selection

Height × spread: 30-40 in (75-100 cm) × 24-32 in (60-80 cm)

Bloom window: early July to early September

Color & flower form: deep blue; single to occasional double, star-shaped

Fragrance: 0 none

USDA hardiness: zones 3-8

Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown

Cut-flower notes: longer stems; sear cut ends to control sap; condition before arranging

Pet safety: unknown

How it differs

  • Taller than most modern dwarf strains.
  • Produces large flowers over an extended window.
  • More likely to need staking in rich soil or light shade.
  • Can show both single and double flowers in seed-grown lines.

Strengths

  • Height and presence in mixed borders.
  • Dependable summer bloom in continental climates.
  • Cold hardy to zone 3.
  • Good stems for cutting when properly conditioned.

Care in one minute

Light: full sun for best flowering; light shade tolerated.

Soil: organically rich, well-drained loam.

Water: regular moisture; avoid waterlogging.

Feeding: moderate fertility; excess nitrogen increases flop.

Grooming: deadhead; cut stems back by half in late spring to reduce staking.

Winter: mulch lightly; avoid disturbing the crown.

Watch‑outs

  • Stems may flop without support in fertile soil.
  • Avoid heavy or wet soils to prevent root issues.
  • Late spring emergence makes crowns easy to disturb.

Best uses (tags)

borders, cutting, pollinators, mid border, cottage gardens

Provenance note

Fuji is a long-marketed seed series. Trial data document tall stature and a broad bloom window in Midwestern conditions.

References

Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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