Balloon Plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus)

One of the favorite hosts of the Monarch butterfly, Balloon Plant is a member of the milkweed family best noted for its soft, spherical, large, lime-green seed pods. Once the pods ripen in the fall, they split open to release numerous silky-haired seeds into the wind. The unusual seed pods of the Balloon Plant are often used as an interesting addition to a dried floral arrangement. It will self-seed in zone 10 but can be grown as an annual in zones 8 and below. We’re happy to support our butterfly friends and love the unique nature of this interesting plant.