code: 814
The plant is native to southeast Africa
Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: balloonplant, balloon cotton-bush, bishop’s balls, nailhead, or swan plant
Plant Classification: Half hardy shrub
Minimum Height: 1.4 meters
Maximum Height: 1.8 meters
Packet Content(approx.): 12
Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as balloon plant, balloon cotton-bush, bishop’s balls, nailhead, or swan plant, is a species of milkweed. The plant is native to southeast Africa, but it has been widely naturalized. It is often used as an ornamental plant. The name “balloonplant” is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like follicles which are full of seeds. Blooming in warm months. It grows on roadside banks, at elevations of 2800 to 5000 feet above sea level. The plant prefers moderate moisture, as well as sandy and well-drained soil and full sun.
Sowing advice:
These seeds have already been thoroughly cleaned and cold-stored for several months. They should be sown into a well-drained, sandy compost at any time of the year, and covered thinly with sand or grit and kept moist. Keep at between 15 and 20 degrees C. Germination usually occurs within 4 to 6 weeks although some seeds may take much longer.
Information:
Height: 4.00 to 6.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: July to August
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Annual
Flower: Insignificant
Fruit: Showy
Tolerate: Deer, Drought
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-10. Invasive self-seeder in tropical areas (it has naturalized as a pasture weed in Hawaii), but not in St. Louis where it is grown as an annual. Best in well-drained soils in full sun. Plants are drought tolerant. Seed may be started indoors in pots 6-8 weeks before last spring frost date.
