Platycodon grandiflorus Astra White

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra White' is a new selection of the Japanese Bellflower, sometimes called the large-flowered bellflower, characterized by a dwarf vegetation and large and beautiful flowers whose white colour is a marvel of purity. It is an extremely hardy perennial, floriferous and easy to grow in the sun, in any well-drained soil. It produces curious floral buds shaped like small hot air balloons all summer, which open into large star-shaped flowers, with wonderfully simple patterns, reminiscent of bellflowers. Sometimes slow to establish, this semi-tuberous plant can be grown in the sun or partial shade, in any well-drained soil that is not too dry.

Platycodon grandiflorus is a plant from the family of bellflowers native to Asia, widespread from China to eastern Siberia, passing through Japan and Korea. This herbaceous perennial plant develops from a large fibrous root similar to a long turnip, which should not be disturbed once planted.

The 'Astra White' variety, shorter than the wild species, emerges quite late in spring. The plant forms a round and dense clump of leafy stems, with an upright and spreading habit, reaching 30cm (12in) in height and diameter. Flowering takes place from June to September, depending on the climate, more abundantly in July-August. The individual flowers develop at the top of the stems, in the axils of the leaves. The round and white floral buds swell like small balloons. They open into large campanulate flowers, with a thick texture, in the shape of 7cm (3in) wide stars, of a perfect white colour. They are visited by pollinating insects and give way to small black and round seeds. The foliage is dense, with a matte medium green colour, slightly more glaucous on the underside. The leaves are opposite on the stems, lanceolate in shape, with irregularly dentate edges. The above-ground parts turn yellow and then take on red hues in autumn, before disappearing in winter. In our warm regions, the vegetation dries up after flowering, in summer. Platycodon grandiflora is deciduous, it spends the winter dormant underground. Remember to mark its location to avoid accidental hits with a shovel.

Hardy and easy to grow, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Astra White' thrives in the sun or partial shade, in well-drained, rich and light soils. Plant it in rockeries, at the edge of flower beds or in the background along with sneezeweeds, Gaillardias, marigolds, roses, garden valerians, panicled phlox or gypsophilas. It also grows very well in a deep pot to accommodate its impressive root system, with regular watering. Its large candid flowers are also very beautiful in small country-style bouquets.