The balloon flower is quite delightful, with its strange pillow-shaped buds that open into large purple, blue, or white flowers. Although the latin name means 'bell,' the flower shape is really more of a star once open.

The growth tendency of this plant is long stems, and few leaves. I've had no luck encouraging much branching out of them, but it doesn't seem to matter as they don't really require staking (excepting excessive wind).

Although the best blooming period is early to midsummer, they can surprise you with a lighter second bloom in late summer.