Photo of Gomphocarpus physocarpus flower by Tau'olunga

Photo by Tau'olunga

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Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Also Known As

  • Asclepias physocarpa
  • Balloon Cotton-bush
  • Balloonplant
  • Family Jewels Tree
  • Swan Plant

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6'
  • W: 6'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Gomphocarpus physocarpus plant details

Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with. In summer pink flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 6 FT tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gomphocarpus physocarpus

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

We don't generally do much with common names, but ?hairy balls plant? is a pretty darn good one, and very apt indeed. Flowers are typical intricate milkweed blooms, white and fragrant, followed by the seed pods which are round pods that look like, well, hairy balls. Plant with your amorphophallus and/or clitoria for best effect. Big upright plant, to 5 or more feet. Zone 7.
There’s so much going on for this small tree-like perennial from Jamaica & South America I don’t know where to start. Yes I do: those 2-2.5” inflated, translucent lime green & dare I say “hairy” seed pods! They provide much amusement dangling as they do all over the branching top half of the plant. A very cool cut flower ($30 a stem at high-end florists) & butterflies love it (it’s a Milkweed!). It’s fast growing, trouble free & has a nice “lollipop” form. To 6’ high & wide. Scented white & pendulous blooms. Provide good soil & drainage for best, um, “show!” Self-sows.

Gardening facts about Gomphocarpus physocarpus plant

How to Grow Gomphocarpus physocarpus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
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