Unusual Balloon Flower

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Jul 10, 2007 7:23 pm

I found this nearly 13-14 years ago when I worked for a wholesale nursery. I've been growing seedlings from it ever since. Anyone ever seen one? It's the only one I've ever heard of. Hope you like it.

Nathalie23 · Post by **Nathalie23** » Jul 10, 2007 7:38 pm

Very beautiful!!!

Thanks for sharing!

eastwood2007 · Post by **eastwood2007** » Jul 10, 2007 11:45 pm

Wow, that is really lovely!

Hosta12_Ia · Post by **Hosta12_Ia** » Jul 10, 2007 11:52 pm

I really like that!! TFS
Jo

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Jul 11, 2007 7:54 am

What really makes it interesting to me is the fact that the blue spots are different on each side of the petals. You'd think they'd bleed thru the petal. It's almost like it was hit with spray paint, flipped around and hit with more paint.

They come mostly true from seed, but the spotting varies greatly from plant to plant. A lot of the seedlings are all white or all blue. I have this one planted next to a pink one, so maybe the bees will make some funky hybrid.

nanny_56 · Post by **nanny_56** » Jul 11, 2007 8:02 am

That is really cool!! I like it!

Claudia

petal*pusher · Post by **petal*pusher** » Jul 11, 2007 9:15 am

Truly unique! I've never seen varigation in a balloon flower!

Mine are in blossom now....love 'em! Thanks for sharing!........p

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » Jul 12, 2007 7:51 am

Very pretty! Mine just started blooming, but none as pretty as that! How long after you plant the seeds do you get a blooming plant? Sounds like fun!

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Jul 12, 2007 9:29 am

wishiwere wrote:Very pretty! Mine just started blooming, but none as pretty as that! How long after you plant the seeds do you get a blooming plant? Sounds like fun!

Out of the hundred or so seeds I plant in January (indoors), I'll get about 20 blooms the same summer after they're moved outside. The next year, they're all big plants with lots of blooms.

wishiwere · Post by **wishiwere** » Jul 12, 2007 11:02 am

Very cool! So, do you have a name for this one? Is it something a person could still purchase?

John · Post by **John** » Jul 12, 2007 11:23 am

I LOVE the blue and white coloring-- unique!

HostaDesigner · Post by **HostaDesigner** » Jul 12, 2007 8:15 pm

Couple more pics. They really look cool right before they open.

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Jul 13, 2007 9:02 pm

You have quite a find there - just beautiful!!

janey · Post by **janey** » Jul 15, 2007 1:50 pm

Wow, so pretty!!

Balloon flower was one of mine that traveled last week across the state from my old yard. The plant looks very happy, but I think the transplant has slowed it down a little...Can't wait to see it bloom.

Is this BF one you deleloped? It's beautiful...

petal*pusher · Post by **petal*pusher** » Jul 15, 2007 3:10 pm

Love even those buds! Don't they look like a watercolor?!?....p