When the cold weather starts rolling in, most of us gardeners have a never-ending to-do list. That’s why it’s such a relief when you have plants that don’t need a ton of babysitting. The Balloon Flower (Platycodon) is exactly that kind of low-maintenance friend. However, there are still a few tricks to keep in mind to help them breeze through the winter—especially if you’re growing them in pots on your balcony.
Naturally Hardy
When it comes to more exotic-looking plants, it’s totally normal to wonder if they can actually handle a deep freeze. Luckily, with the Balloon Flower, you can breathe easy. These beauties are actually winter hardy and can handle temperatures dropping down to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-15°C) without breaking a sweat. What actually bothers them more than the cold is harsh wind and freezing rain. That’s why protecting them starts with picking the right spot in your garden. You’ll want a location that’s tucked away from the wind and shielded from excessive moisture.
Protecting Your Balcony Plants
Things get a little more involved in the fall if you’re keeping your Balloon Flowers on the balcony. Since the roots are in containers, they’re much more vulnerable to the frost than they would be in the ground. To keep those roots cozy, you’ll want to wrap your pots in some insulating material before the first big freeze. Great options include:
- Garden fleece
- Burlap
- Bubble wrap
If you want to play it extra safe, you can also move your pots off the balcony and into a greenhouse or an unheated sunroom for the season.
Don’t Forget the Water!
The Balloon Flower is a pretty easygoing plant that doesn’t demand much, but it still needs a little drink now and then during the winter. Make sure to water them occasionally during those stretches when the ground isn’t frozen. If you have younger plants, it’s also a smart move to give the roots some extra “blankets”—a layer of dried leaves, brushwood, or bark mulch will go a long way in protecting them from a hard frost.
