Gomphocarpus (Asclepias) physocarpus
Gomphocarpus physocarpus (previously Asclepias) is a cool milkweed relative known as balloon plant or hairy balls!
Gomphocarpus physocarpus (previously Asclepias) is a peculiar milkweed relative from southern African known as balloon plant or hairy balls! The small flowers look much like a milkweed in shades of white and lavender held in small clusters. The seed pods, however, are large, weird, and intriguing. They look like inflated, green, hairy balloons! Requires full sun and dry to medium well-drained soil. Use in the sunny border, cottage and butterfly gardens or in containers. It is a subshrub that can be protected and overwintered or it can be treated like an annual. The flowers are popular with butterflies.
Common Name: Balloon Plant
Family: Apocynaceae (The Dogbane Family)
Zone Hardiness: 8-10
Light: Full Sun
Height: 4-6'
Width: 2-3'
Primary Bloom Colour: White/Cream
Secondary Bloom Colour: Purple
Bloom Time: Summer
Foliage Colour: Green
Class: Deciduous
Type: Perennial
Soil Moisture: Average, Dry
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries: Green
Benefits: Butterflies, Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: No
Native Habitat: Dry areas, prairies, pastures, woodland openings, ditches and disturbed ground, often on limestone soils in the midwestern, eastern and southeastern US
Award:
Geographical Origin: Southern Africa and Madagascar
