Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Balloon Plant, Gomphocarpus Hairy Balls, Hairy Balls Flower, Hairy Balls Milkweed Flower, Milkweed Swan Plant, Balloon Plant Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Hairy Balls Plant, is an upright shrub growing to about 1.5 m tall and 60 cm wide. It carries light green leaves held off slender branches on a single stemmed trunk. Cream coloured, attractive flowers are borne in clusters throughout the year and are followed by large, inflated fruits covered with soft spines. Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a favoured food source for the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies and is a must for any plantings aimed at attracting such insects.

Gomphocarpus physocarpus is currently unavailable.

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:	Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:	Shrubs
Height:	1.50 m
Spread:	60 cm
Flowering time:	Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tolerances:
Garden uses:	Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles:	Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?	Yes
Maintenance requirements	Low
Growth rate	Medium
Also known as	Balloon Plant, Gomphocarpus Hairy Balls, Hairy Balls Flower, Hairy Balls Milkweed Flower, Milkweed Swan Plant, Balloon Plant Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Gomphocarpus physocarpus Details

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Hairy Balls Plant, is an upright shrub growing to about 1.5 m tall and 60 cm wide. It carries light green leaves held off slender branches on a single stemmed trunk. Cream coloured, attractive flowers are borne in clusters throughout the year but mainly during summer. They are followed by large, inflated fruits covered with soft spines which eventually split and release seeds. The Swan Plant grows best on a well-drained site that does not dry out in full sun. Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a favoured food source for the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies and is a must for any plantings aimed at attracting such insects. It is also commonly included in mixed plantings and cottage gardens.