Balloon Flower, Jie-Geng
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Platycodon grandiflora, Balloon Flower, Jie-Geng |
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Traditionally, Platycodon has been used to
treat many different ailments affecting the lungs. Uses include
sore throat, coughs, bronchitis, heaviness in the chest, laryngitis,
pleurisy, chest pain and tonsillitis. Thinking of it on an energetic
level, the plant is inspirational. (Photo
© Steven Foster) |
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Star-shaped,
blue-violet flowers bloom all summer long on this hardy perennial.
Platycodon has become one of our favorites for its sheer
beauty as well as its response to simple care. We start it early
in the greenhouse so it has some size when we set it out. It blooms
and makes seed the first year. Unusually cold resistant, we have
never had it die out. The edible root is often used in soups in
Korean cuisine. 