I learned something about balloon flowers

4 days ago

They rebloom relatively well if they're deadheaded. I never realized this. In the past I would do a little deadheading of them here and there, but this year in an effort to putz around more I've kept up pretty well with it. And be darned they have rewarded me with rebloom all the way since the initial first big flush, and here it is a few days away from September. Granted, it's not a large amount of rebloom but the primary flush but it's enough for me to take notice and thoroughly enjoy the show after the first act.

(If you wondering why I am making an effort to putz more, it's because I miserably failed at my goal of trying to sit more outside without doing anything. I am just not wired to sit. I do find putzing around relaxing, though -- this being different than "working" outside.)

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Comments (5)

roxanna
4 days ago
Are you certain that you are not my twin sister? I, too, must putz around outdoors! Just cannot sit still for any length of time -- always seeing something "small" that I need to jump up and deal with. My view of my gardens, whatever state they might be in (don't look at them now, things are a mess), is either from a standing position or kneeling. =)

As for balloon flowers, I love them but no longer have any. Still trying unsuccessfully to locate the tall variety, which I prefer. WHY are the offerings only short ones??? I spied some lovely tall ones at my local plant supplier some weeks ago, in their garden beds by the parking lot, and the owner will dig some for me -- if I ever let her know when I plan to visit. Note to self: do this before the offer expires!!! lol.

P.S. ~ just called and the balloon flowers will be ready for pick-up tomorrow. YAY!!!
porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
4 days ago
last modified: 4 days ago
"P.S. ~ just called and the balloon flowers will be ready for pick-up tomorrow. YAY!!!"

Score!

I grew almost all of mine from seed, I think it was "Mariesii" but honestly I don't remember. One large clump I took from my other house, so it's probably at least 13-15 years old. Some other assorted ones were ones I've stumbled on. The tall ones are definitely not easy to find, which is a shame, the shorter ones just don't have the elegant proportions of the tall ones (same for a heck of lot of dwarfed plants IMO).

"I, too, must putz around outdoors! Just cannot sit still for any length of time "

So it's not just me then LOL!
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peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
2 days ago
last modified: 2 days ago
I will have to try deadheading mine, Hakone Blue and Fuji Blue. Both are tall.

I need to finish redoing a few areas but it has been raining so often that the ground is saturated. Not great for digging but great for putzimg! I have been deadheading Phlox & Heliopsis among other things.

It is definitely not just you! I think 2 minutes is probably the longest I have ever sat in the garden before I see something that needs attending.

roxanna that is wonderful!
sherrygirl zone5 N il
2 days ago
I have a ton of balloon flowers…I have tried deadheading here and got more blooms.I tried the tall ones here and was disappointed. They always flopped. One extra bonus with these plants for me is the foliage stays nice and green all season.

Sherry
porkchop_z5b_MI
Original Author
2 days ago
"They always flopped."

Hoop stakes easily take care of that.