Gomphocarpus physocarpus |
Syn. Asclepias physocarpa
Native Region: South Africa, Zimbabwe
Zone Range: 09-11
Preferred Climate: tropical
Harvest Date: Sunday 26 October, 2025
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
This deciduous sub-shrub is often grown as an annual. It has narrow lance-shaped grey/green leaves and in summer bears cymes of creamy white flowers. Flowers are followed by balloon-like fruit, translucent lime-green and often spiny. Height 4-6 feet; spread 2 feet.
Notes:
This plant belongs to the milkweed family, and like all milkweeds they attract the lovely Monarch butterfly to the garden. The seedpods' inflated appearance gives rise to a number of humorous common names, although we tend to favour 'Swan Plant'.
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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