Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Balloon Plant
Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a species of milkweed. It is often grown as an ornamental plant. The name "balloonplant" is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like follicles which are full of seeds. Please take note: when broken, all parts of this plant exude milky white latex that is poisonous if ingested.
Contributed by @fiona_willetts
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Full sun
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Very little water
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A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Light and free draining
Common name
Balloon Plant
Latin name
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
type
Perennial
family
Apocynaceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun
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Frost
A little frost hardy: 32F (0°C)
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Soil
Light and free draining
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Water
Very little water
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
1.50 M
2.00 M
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a species of milkweed. It is often grown as an ornamental plant. The name "balloonplant" is an allusion to the swelling bladder-like follicles which are full of seeds. Please take note: when broken, all parts of this plant exude milky white latex that is poisonous if ingested.
Propogation by seed
From Late Winter TO Early Spring
Sow late winter/early spring on the surface of lightly firmed, moist seed compost in pots or trays. Lightly cover the seed with a sprinkle of fine grade vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 21-23C (70-75F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; until germination which usually takes 14-21 days. When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost 60cm (24in) apart. Pinch out the tops of plants after the fourth or fifth leaf stage to encourage the development of side shoots.
Planting young plants
From Late Spring TO Late Spring
For the best results, provide a well-drained soil in full sun. Plant out in spring against a sheltered fence or wall. Trail the vine up a trellis. In temperate climates, this plant is usually grown as an annual. Please take note: when broken, all parts of this plant exude milky white latex that is poisonous if ingested.
fiona_willetts
jennlamaye
puffinrain
sewinggal
kellyc010