Gomphocarpus physocarpus |
Syn. Asclepias physocarpa
Native Region: South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zone Range: 09-11
Preferred Climate: tropical
Harvest Date: Sunday 10 November, 2024
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
This plant belongs to the milkweed family, and like all milkweeds they attract the lovely Monarch butterfly to the garden. This deciduous sub-shrub is often grown as an annual. It has sticky, hairy stems and narrow lance-shaped grey/green leaves. In summer 2-inch cymes of creamy white flowers each about 1.5-2 cm (1/2-3/4 inch) across appear. The flowers are followed by balloon-like fruit, about 4-5 cm (2-2.5 inches) across, translucent lime-green and often spiny. The seedpods' inflated appearance gives rise to a number of humorous common names, although we tend to favour 'Swan Plant'. The plant grows to 4-6 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Notes:
synonym Asclepias physocarpa
Cultivation:
For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. Direct sow outdoors in fall or at 13-18 degrees Celsius in spring. Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. This plant is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.
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