Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Balloon Flowers are one of the old fashioned cottage garden plants that everyone is familiar with. The puffy balloon-shaped flower buds open to a perfect single petal bloom. Sentimental is a much more compact and restrained version of Balloon Flower that stays short and continues to bloom prolifically.
Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower can be placed at the front of a border or used as an edging plant. The compact growing habit makes this perennial a great choice for mixed container planting or including in a rock garden. Not only is the flower great for flower arranging, the grey-green foliage will give any floral arrangement a boost. Balloon Flowers emerge very late in the spring. Take care to plant it in an area where the crown will not be disturbed accidentally.
Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower Care
The Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower is not a demanding plant. Average, well drained soil is suitable. Watering on a consistent basis will help this perennial establish fully and become more drought tolerant over time. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are recommended to keep water off the blooms and foliage. Balloon flowers tend to get fungal diseases and mildew easily, especially in cooler and damp locations. Planting Balloon Flowers in full sun to part shade will help reduce the incidence of disease.
Balloon Flowers are very easy to care for. Late in the spring as the new growth emerges, remove the previous years’ growth and apply a slow release fertilizer formulated for Roses and Flowers. Dividing is recommended every 3-4 years to keep the plants growing vigorously and strong. The Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower works well with other cottage garden favorites such as Shasta Daisy, Coreopsis, Lavender and Catmint.
Sentimental Blue Balloon Flowers Spacing
The mature height for Sentimental Blue is 6-8 inches with a spread of 15-18 inches. Space plants at 18 inches on center. This wide spacing will not only allow the plants to have some elbow room, it will ensure proper air circulation for healthy plants.
Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 6-11 Inches
- Mature Spread
- 1 Foot
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Clumping, Upright, Dwarf
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue, Purple
- Flower Description
- Lavender-blue
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late Fall/Early Spring
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, 3 Season Interest, Fall Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Sentimental Blue Balloon Flower
- Botanical Name
- PLATYCODON GRANDIFLORUS 'SENTIMENTAL BLUE'
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!