The balloon flower, a flowering plant of the Platycodon genus, is scientifically known as Platycodon grandiflorus.

Belonging to the Campanulaceae family, it is a perennial herbaceous plant. The stem can reach a height of 20-120 centimeters, usually without hairs, occasionally sparsely covered with short hairs, unbranched, and rarely branching in the upper part.

Leaves are arranged in whorls, partially whorled to entirely alternate, sessile, or with very short petioles. Leaf blades are ovate, ovate-elliptic to lanceolate, and the flowers come in dark blue or dark purple-white, making it an ornamental plant. The roots are used in traditional medicine for their properties like cough suppression, phlegm expulsion, lung promotion, and pus discharge.

Despite its name, some may mistakenly associate the balloon flower with citrus stems, but in reality, it has no direct relation to oranges or the citrus genus.

For balloon flower reproduction, high-yielding plants should be selected for seed retention. In late August, the flowering shoots on the lateral branches should be removed to concentrate nutrients on the development of upper and middle fruits, promoting seed plumpness and enhancing seed quality.

When the capsules turn yellow, the entire plant is harvested, dried in a well-ventilated place, matured, and then sun-dried and threshed for later use. It is usually propagated by direct seeding, with higher yields compared to transplanting. Autumn, winter, or spring sowing can be employed, with autumn sowing being the most preferable.

The balloon flower originated from desert riverbeds and grassland areas in North America, believed to be descendants of wildflowers. In Texas, Nebraska, Nevada, and Colorado, it is commonly referred to as the prairie bellflower.

Although native to North America, it was cultivated and transformed by the Japanese in the 1930s into the familiar balloon flower we know today. It gained popularity in horticulture in the 1930s but only found its way into floral arrangements in the 1980s. The balloon flower quickly became a favorite in the floral industry with its large and colorful rainbow-like blooms.

In the Victorian era, it was also used to symbolize brilliance or splendor. The Greek name for the balloon flower implies its bitterness, as it was once used in certain herbal remedies.

The balloon flower holds strong symbolic meanings. When given as a gift, it can express gratitude and appreciation, as well as shared interests, charm, and romance. Its origin in the prairie flowers symbolizes traditional or old-fashioned values, acceptance, and contemplation.

With its rich symbolism and color variations, the balloon flower can create stunning floral arrangements. Due to its soft, sweet, and delicate appearance, it is often seen in expressions of thanks, weddings, decorations, and fresh bouquets. The balloon flower plays a significant role in bouquets and pairs well with flowers of similar size, such as roses, hyacinths, carnations, and lilies. Its long and sturdy stems make it ideal for French floral arrangements.