Platycodon grandiflorus Perimutterschale

Platycodon grandiflorus 'Perlmutterschale', also known as Japanese Bellflower or large-flowered bellflower, is an extremely hardy perennial, floriferous and densely compact, and moreover, easy to cultivate. It produces curious balloon-shaped flower buds all summer long, which open into large, star-shaped flowers in a pale pink and pearly shade, with a wonderfully simple design, reminiscent of bellflowers. Sometimes slow to establish, this semi-tuberous plant is grown in full sun or partial shade, in any well-drained but moist soil.

Platycodon grandiflorus is a plant from the campanula family native to Asia, widespread from China to eastern Siberia, through Japan and Korea. This herbaceous perennial plant develops from a large fibrous root resembling a long turnip, which should be carefully left undisturbed once planted.

The 'Perlmutterschale' variety forms a round and dense clump of leafy stems, with an upright and spreading habit, reaching 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) in height and diameter. Flowering occurs from June to September, depending on the climate, with a clear predominance in July-August. The individual flowers develop at the upper part of the stems, in the axils of the leaves. The rounded flower buds, in a pinkish-yellow colour, inflate like small balloons, which open into large, thick-textured campanulate flowers, 7cm (3in) wide, with a discreetly veined pearly pink shade. They are visited by pollinating insects and are followed by the formation of small black round seeds. The foliage is dense, with a matte bluish-green colour, slightly more glaucous on the underside. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate, with irregularly dentate edges. The above-ground parts yellow and take on red hues in autumn, before disappearing in winter. Platycodon grandiflora overwinters in a dormant state underground.

Hardy and easy to grow, Platycodon grandiflorus 'Perlmutterschale' thrives in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained, rich, and light soils. Plant it at the edge of a border or in the background alongside ferns, hostas, roses, poppies, paniculate phlox, or Gypsophila. It also grows very well in a deep pot to accommodate its impressive root system, with regular watering. Its large pastel flowers are also beautiful in wildflower bouquets.