My plant or flower of the day is the Balloon Flower and also called Chinese Bell Flowers.  The Latin name is Platycodon grandiflorus.

I think it’s an interesting looking little flower, especially when it looks most like a balloon. As the buds mature, they inflate into the shape of balloons. Then after that they open to reveal a colorful blue or purple star or bell shaped flowers.

Photo from Plantcare.com.  Notice some of the balloons?  I love them!

The name Chinese Bellflower is popular, as there is another pretty flower with the same name.  But both are equally beautiful in their own way.

This photo is from Duncan Nurseries.  This version has less petals and looks much more simpler.  And lots of leaves like my Dahlia plant.  Purple flowers are a rarity to me.

Below is more information of the Balloon Flower from Plantcare.com:

The Balloon Flower is a very genial plant. In its native Asia, it is typically found in open grasses by hills and mountains. It enjoys full sun but is also very cold hardy. The Balloon Flower is seldom bothered by insects and seldom bothers its neighbors, i.e. it doesn’t spread. The Balloon Flower is easy to grow and more reliable than most blues. Its bloom occurs in July and August, adding a welcome burst of color to the late summer garden.

The Balloon Flower enjoys well-drained, well-fertilized soils. First rains can make the stems a little floppy, so consider adding stakes. Add 2 inches of mulch during summer. Light deadheading can extend bloom time.

This photo above is from Seedman.com.  Mostly purple-bluish balloons, very neat!  You can also purchase seeds from them, I think I may just do that for next summer.

Because it’s a late bloomer, you’ll want to mark your Balloon Flower locations. If you’re starting from seed, don’t expect flowers until the second year. Impatient gardeners can start with container-grown plants. If starting outdoors, plant seeds just after the last winter frost. If indoors, sow pots 6 to 8 weeks before last frost. - Plantcare.com

Seedrack has 40 seeds for $3.51.  Check it out here & scroll down to “Platycodon grandiflora ‘Komachi - Komachi Balloon Flower.”

Unique:  Komachi Balloon Flower is unique because the 2″ azure blue, balloon-shaped buds never open. If you’re looking for something unusual, here is quite a conversation piece. 1-2 feet in height, emerges late in the Spring and may bloom from June through August. Full sun to part shade in any well-drained soil.