Platycodon Grandiflorus (Balloon Flower) 桔梗（キキョウ）

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus) is native to eastern Asia and can be found across Japan, producing beautiful white and purple flowers from June to September in Japan. The Japanese name of the clasping Venus' looking-glass (Triodanis perfoliata) is "balloon flower plant" after their similar flower shapes and colors (but not the size).  

Surprisingly, the balloon flower was called "morning glory" during the Manyo period (from the mid-7th to the mid-8th century) in Japan because then beautiful flowers blooming in the morning were all called morning glory. Do you find it inclusive or sloppy?

This reminded me of another inclusiveness or sloppiness issue about the colors of Japan, specifically, blue and green. If you are interested, read "Goryeo Celadon and Colors of Japan."

2026/6/22

2026/6/22

White Platycodon Grandiflorus (Balloon Flower) 白桔梗（シロキキョウ）

英語の後に日本語が続きます。

This is a white balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorus). I saw purple ones last month and double-flowered ones a few days ago. I didn't know the plant produces white flowers. I wanted to photograph its balloon shaped white buds but couldn't find one.  

2023/7/13

Double-Flowered Balloon Flower (Platycodon Grandiflorus) 八重桔梗（ヤエキキョウ）

Japanese follows English. 英語の後に日本語が続きます。

These are double-flowered balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus). I wrote about single-flowered balloon flowers last month. Just the single or double difference makes them completely different flowers.   

Double-flowered balloon flower　八重桔梗

Platycodon grandiflorus　ヤエキキョウ