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Komachi
novelty double/ballooning form
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: novelty double/ballooning form
- Height × spread: 12-47 in (30-120 cm) × 20-34 in (50-85 cm)
- Bloom window: late July to mid September
- Color & flower form: lavender-blue; inflated double buds that rarely open
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 3-8
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown
- Cut-flower notes: novelty buds; sear cut ends; condition before arranging
- Pet safety: unknown
How it differs
- Buds often stay inflated rather than opening.
- Can be much taller than many sources list.
- Stems may need support due to height.
- Flower size is smaller than on many tall strains.
Strengths
- Unusual, conversation-starting flower form.
- Extended summer interest from persistent balloons.
- Cold hardy to zone 3.
- Useful as a tall accent where space permits.
Care in one minute
Light: full sun for strongest stems; light shade tolerated.
Soil: fertile and well-drained; slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Water: regular moisture; prevent standing water.
Feeding: moderate fertilizer; avoid excess nitrogen.
Grooming: deadhead spent blooms; cut stems back by half in late spring to manage height.
Winter: mulch lightly and mark clumps; shoots emerge late.
Watch‑outs
- Height can exceed expectations in fertile soil.
- Stems may flop without staking.
- Avoid wet soils to reduce root problems.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Public garden profiles note that Komachi is sold as seed and may self-seed, and that the balloon-like buds rarely open.
References
- Chicago Botanic Garden – Platycodon cultivar trial (Komachi notes and measurements)
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Platycodon grandiflorus ‘Komachi’ (Plant Finder)
- Missouri Botanical Garden – Platycodon grandiflorus species profile
- RHS – Platycodon grandiflorus species profile
