Annual – Milkweed Balloon Plant

Milkweed Balloon Plant 

Botanical name: gomphocarpus physocarpus 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: reaches 4-6 ft in height with a 5 ft spread if grown in tropical or indoor environments 

Hardy zone: zones 10-13 

Growth rate: can reach fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: white 

Bloom time:  summer 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: borders, backdrop, pollinator garden, container plant 

Special features: produces seedpods with a balloon-like appearance in the summer, heat tolerant 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 1-2 inches to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow-release, granular fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: sunflowers, coneflower, milkweed, joe pye weed 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no