Platycodon 'Astra Pink' is a delightful balloon flower cultivar known for its soft pink star shaped blooms and compact form. It offers a charming splash of color for garden beds and borders.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture
Watering Needs: Moderate; regular watering supports healthy blooms
Deer Resistance: Moderate
Native Status
Native to East Asia, Platycodon grandiflorus is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes. This cultivar is bred for its pink flowers and tidy growth habit.
Wildlife & Insects
Butterflies
- Attracts swallowtails and skippers seeking nectar from its open bell shaped blooms.
Bees
- Visited by native bumblebees and honeybees gathering pollen and nectar.
Hummingbirds
- Occasionally attracted to the soft pink flowers for nectar.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space plants 18 - 24 in apart to allow for healthy growth and airflow.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for garden borders, rock gardens, and containers where soft pink highlights are desired.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Adds fine textured yellow foliage and flowers that contrast with pink blooms.
- Salvia nemorosa (Woodland Sage) - Offers violet flower spikes that complement pink balloon flowers.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) - Provides fragrant silvery foliage that contrasts nicely.
- Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) - Introduces warm red and yellow tones for vibrant color contrast.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Attracts pollinators and balances the color palette with purple blooms.