Tulip Winter Aconite Click here for a printer friendly version of this page. This heavy bloomer gets its name from the way each flower bud swells before its starry petals unfold. The upward-facing flowers bloom throughout the summer and come in blue, pale pink, or white.
Balloon flowers are a cottage garden standard.
The flowers are excellent for cutting, but their stems should be seared with a match or candle flame before being placed in water. Balloon flowers grow in Zones 3-8. They thrive in full sun or light shade in well-drained garden soil. Protection from strong sun is advised in warmer climates. Set plants 12 inches apart.