Description
Gomphocarpus gom-fo-KAR-pus
Also known as Balloon Plant or Hairy Balls, Gomphocarpus is a shrubby herbaceous perennial that is native to South Africa in the milkweed family. It is a tender perennial in zones 8-10 but can be grown as an annual elsewhere and can reach heights of 6 feet. The white flowers are not particularly showy and occur in drooping clusters. They are only pollinated by vespid wasps and hornets and more than 1 plant is required. The follicles are the most ornamental feature. They are soft inflated round yellowish-green seed pods that mature to release seeds with silky tufts in fall. As are all milkweeds, this plant is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly.
The name physocarpa comes from the Greek physa meaning bladder and karpos, fruit, referring to the rounded seed pods.
Plant in moderately moist well-drained sandy soil in full sun. It is deer, drought and heat tolerant once established. Use in the back of the garden, as a specimen or in containers. The stems and follicles are often used in floral arrangements. Use caution in handling this plant as the milky latex in the stem is an irritant to some people.
