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Balloon Milkweed

Gomphocarpus Physocarpus

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Overview

Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is a striking perennial, reaching up to 6 ft tall. Known for its globular, spiny seed pods, about 3 in across, this plant offers unique texture. Pale pink flowers bloom summer to fall, attracting butterflies. Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Use in backgrounds or as accent for wildlife-friendly designs. Hardy in zones 8 to 11.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 8–10
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is a striking perennial, reaching up to 6 ft tall

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
8–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Apocynaceae

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Photos (156)

Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — and they are arranged in a spiraling pattern along the stems.<br><br>During the summer months, image 151
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — star-shaped flowers in white to pale pink; is a distinctive perennial plant well-suited for a vibrant, image 152
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — which are attractive to various pollinators; spanning up to 5 inches long, image 153
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — making it suitable for xeriscaping.<br><br>Keep in mind; this species is visually striking due to its, image 156
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — it is fairly drought tolerant; known for its globular, spiny seed pods, about 3 in across, this plant, image 155
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — The pods are lime green and inflated; creating an upright and bushy form, image 145
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — reaching sizes of approximately 2 to 3 inches in diameter.<br><br>Originating from Southeast Africa, image 146
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — Balloon Milkweed can grow to a height of 4 to 6 feet with a similarly wide spread; shrub for full, image 147
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — creating an upright and bushy form; commonly known as Balloon Milkweed or Hairy Balls, image 148
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — Its leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, image 149
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — spanning up to 5 inches long; making it suitable for xeriscaping.<br><br>Keep in mind, image 150
Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus Physocarpus) — It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil; the sap contains toxic, image 154

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