Platycodon mix

Planting and Soil Requirements

• Planting Location: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Ideal for garden beds, borders, and containers.
• Soil Type: Thrives in well-drained soil. Prefers loamy or sandy soils that do not retain excess moisture.
• Soil pH: Tolerates a range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as it was in the container. Ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
• Spacing: Space plants about 30-45 cm apart to allow for their spread and prevent overcrowding.

Watering and Fertilization

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly and allow the top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate drought tolerance once established. Water more frequently during extended dry periods.
• Fertilization: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the plant's crown.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun promotes the best flowering and overall growth.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Prefers moderate climates and is generally frost-resistant.
• Heat Tolerance: Tolerates moderate heat. Ensure adequate watering during hot weather to prevent stress.
• Frost Tolerance: Frost-hardy and can survive winter temperatures in its growing zone. In colder regions, mulch around the base to protect the roots.

Pruning and Maintenance

• Pruning:
  • Type: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering. Cut back the plant in late fall or early spring to tidy up and remove any dead stems.
  • Frequency: Regular deadheading can promote a longer blooming period. Annual pruning in spring helps maintain plant health.
• Maintenance: Remove weeds and debris around the plant to prevent competition for nutrients. Monitor for pests and diseases.

Pests and Diseases

• Pests: Generally pest-resistant. Occasionally monitor for aphids, spider mites, or slugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
• Diseases: Can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot in poorly drained soils. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Preventative Measures: Maintain good garden hygiene, avoid overwatering, and ensure proper spacing to reduce disease risk.

Propagation

• Seeds: Can be propagated from seeds sown in spring or late summer. Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly in the garden after the last frost.
• Division: Divide established plants every 3-4 years in early spring or fall. Dig up the plant, separate the roots, and replant in well-prepared soil.
• Cuttings: Less common. Can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Use rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix.

Companion Planting and Garden Uses

• Companion Plants: Pairs well with other perennials like daylilies, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans. Also complements ornamental grasses and low-growing ground covers.
• Garden Use: Ideal for garden beds, borders, and container gardening. Adds a unique texture and color with its balloon-like buds and star-shaped flowers.
• Containers: Suitable for container gardening. Ensure containers have good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

Winter Care and Overwintering

• Winter Care: In colder climates, mulch around the base to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Cut back the plant to ground level in late fall or early spring.
• Overwintering in Containers: Move containers to a sheltered location or insulate the pots to protect the roots during winter.

Benefits of Growing Platycodon

• Unique Blooms: Features distinctive balloon-like buds that open into star-shaped flowers, adding visual interest to the garden.
• Long Blooming Period: Blooms from mid-summer to early fall, providing long-lasting color and interest.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to care for once established, with minimal pruning and maintenance required.
• Versatility: Suitable for various garden settings, including borders, beds, and containers.

Key Care Points for Optimal Growth

• Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Full sun encourages the best flowering.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adjust watering during dry periods.
• Fertilization: Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms and cut back in fall or early spring. Maintain plant health with regular pruning.
• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests and diseases. Ensure good drainage and garden hygiene to reduce risk.

Conclusion

Platycodon is a delightful perennial that adds unique charm to your garden with its balloon-like buds and star-shaped flowers. By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Platycodon thrives and continues to provide beauty and interest throughout the growing season

• Size
  P17

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.