Platycodon grandiflorus

"Balloon Flower," "Chinese Bellflower," and "Japanese Bellflower."

Message of the Flower

Unostentatious Certitude

The Mother’s Comment

It does not attract attention or try to convince anyone.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Unostentatious certitude is the complete negation of 'bluff.' I find it very beautiful. When I saw this flower, it struck me as something very profound, very calm—absolutely sure, immobile. I don't know why, but the longer I looked at it, the more it gave that impression and when I was asked its significance, I said, 'Unostentatious Certitude.' It's what one might call a superlative good-taste in the realm of spiritual experience: something with greater content than it expresses.

The Mother, Mother's Agenda: September 30, 1961

Colour

blue, purple, pink, and white.

Family

Campanulaceae

Cultivars

Astra Blue', 'Astra Pink', 'Astra White', 'Fuji Blue', 'Fuji White', 'Sentimental Blue', 'Shell Pink', 'Komachi', 'Apoyama', 'Mariesii'.

Flower Size

2 to 3 inches in diameter.

Flower Texture

smooth and delicate.

Number of Petals

five

Floral Symmetry

radial or star-like symmetry.

Fragrance of Flower

subtle, pleasant fragrance

Leaf Texture

slightly coarse texture.

Leaf Arrangement

typically alternate or in a spiral arrangement along the stem.

Leaf Color

green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

herbaceous perennial.

Life Cycle

herbaceous perennial plant

Blooming Period

summer

Climate

temperate climates.

Water Requirements

Regular watering and well-drained soil

Soil Type

Well-draining, loamy soil

Temperature Ranges

moderate temperatures and cannot tolerate frost.

Sun or Shade

full sun to partial shade

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, and other insects

Habitat

cultivated in gardens and landscapes.

Role in the Ecosystem

erves as an ornamental plant and provides nectar for pollinators.

Ornamental

It is primarily grown for its ornamental value in gardens and landscapes.

Endangered Status

not considered endangered