White Milkweed Tree Gomphocarpus physocarpus

These hairy balls are welcome in any garden.

* Images shown are of mature plants

White Milkweed Tree Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Product Description

The Super-Pollinator for Your Patio

Balloon Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus, formerly Asclepias physocarpus) is so unusual that many descriptive common names are used to describe it, including balloon cotton-bush, swan plant, bishop's balls, and nail plant. Although the jury's out on which name is the most fitting moniker, the verdict is the same '– this plant grabs attention! It grows up to 6 feet tall in a single season, with ornamental seedpods that are even showier than its flowers.

Flowers. Small white flowers, which bear a slight resemblance to orchids, are held in drooping clusters. They bloom in summer and have the faint fragrance of vanilla.

Seedpods. Balloon Milkweed's round seedpods are the source of its many common names. The seedpods grow much larger than its flowers '– up to 3 inches in diameter! They look like lime-green balloons that are studded with tiny nail-like hairs.

Drought-resistant. After plants have settled into your garden and they begin growing, they are delightfully resistant to drought and will only need a little watering during extended periods of no rainfall.

Deer-tolerant. Deer don't like to graze on Balloon Milkweed, because the stems contain a white sap that burns their mouths.

Help Bring Monarch Butterflies Back!
The National Wildlife Federation reports an alarming statistic: in the past 20 years, monarch butterfly populations have drastically declined by 90 percent. But if you plant Balloon Milkweed, you'll be helping to bring the monarchs back! Milkweed plant species are the only hosts for monarch butterflies, and they also make a beautiful addition to your flower garden. The flowers attract monarch butterflies, which feed on the sweet nectar, and the leaves are where female monarchs lay their eggs. When hungry caterpillars hatch from the eggs, they eat the slender leaves, which can grow to 4 inches long. If you're passionate about sustainable gardens and butterfly habitat gardening, your garden simply isn't complete without milkweed plants!

Growing Tips and an Ornamental Bonus
For your Balloon Milkweed to reach its maximum potential, find a location in full sun. Keep new plants watered until their roots begin to grow in their new home, and then let natural rainfall take over. Only if your climate is unseasonably dry will you have to give your plants a drink from the garden hose. You can clip the stems after the seedpods form to add an intriguing look to fresh or dried vase arrangements!

Shipping Details


Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship within 1-2 days. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.

Order Total Shipping Charges
Less than $100 $24.95
$100.00-$128.99 $29.95
$129 + FREE SHIPPING!

Product Details

Growing Zones: 8-10 outdoors

        
        
        
            8-10 outdoors
        
     Map 8-10 outdoors (hardy down to 20℉)
  • Mature Height: 4-6 ft.
  • Mature Width: 2-3 ft.
  • Sunlight: Full Sun
  • Spacing: 2 ft.
  • Growth Rate: up to 2 ft.
  • Does Not Ship To: AZ, OR

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