Chinese bellflower

''Platycodon grandiflorus'' is a species of flowering plant of the Campanulaceae and the only member of the genus ''Platycodon''. These species are commonly referred to as platycodon, Chinese bellflower, sometimes also Japanese bellflower, common balloon flower, or simply balloon flower. It is native to East Asia and bears big blue flowers, although varieties with white and pink flowers are in cultivation. In Korea, white flowers are more common.

The root of this species is used extensively in Asia as an anti-inflammatory in the treatment of coughs and colds. In Korea the plant is known as ''doraji'' and its root, either dried or fresh, is a popular ingredient in salads and traditional herbal cooking. However, Chinese bellflower and Korean bellflower are different. Chinese bellflower is used in .

The plant is also a popular . It is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 3 and requires little care.

Trivia

*Rumiko Takahashi named her character Kikyo from her manga Inuyasha after the flower.
*Kikyou from the Shuffle! series is named after this flower.
*Byakuya Kuchiki from the anime Bleach enjoys this flower.
*in Korea, white Chinese bellflowers have a folk song named after them.
*in Japan, the pentagram is sometimes called the "Bellflower seal", and the flower was the symbol of the Onmyoryo , because of its associations with Abe no Seimei and the .