The twin colours of the Saltire, the national flag of Scotland, are the feature of this Platycodon grandiflorum cultivar. The species has blue petals; this reversion has a mixture of white and striations or blotches and splatters of blue. A member of the family Campanulaceae, native to China, it is a compact herbaceous perennial with good habit and much flower. The terminal flower buds swell rapidly becoming balloon like then burst open to reveal the flower parts to pollinating insects. Flattened, twisting brown anthers and an icicle like stigma.

Choose an open situation where the sun will warm the soil for this plant to give of its best. A light well drained soil is another prerequisite to maximise growth and flowering. The leaves are serrated around the edges and arranged spirally on the sturdy stem.

Platycodon grandiflora c.v. Photo by Tony Garn

Platycodon grandiflora c.v.

Platycodon grandiflora c.v. Photo by Tony Garn

Platycodon grandiflora c.v.

Platycodon grandiflora c.v. Photo by Tony Garn

Platycodon grandiflora c.v.