Pet Safe
moderate Care
balloon plant
Gomphocarpus physocarpus
The balloon plant (Gomphocarpus physocarpus) is truly amazing! Its green, ovate leaves cradle clusters of appealing pink 'balloons' - seed pods that range in size from just a few millimetres to the size of a golf ball. It is an attractive, easy to care for plant that makes a great addition to any garden. Plus, the intense fragrances of the tubular flowers and the seed pods, while often overlooked, add a wonderful aroma to the garden. The plants are very tolerant of extreme temperatures, drought and wind; making it a great choice for any gardening enthusiast. It's truly amazing!
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
low
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 8Zone 9Zone 10
Loading map…
Water Every
7-10 days
Sun Needs
full-sun
Growth
High
Care Level
Low
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
—
—
—
—
—
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
—
—
—
—
Pruning Time
Fruiting
How to Propagate
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Division
Divide root ball in spring, replant sections immediately
Plant Characteristics
Drought Tolerant
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Forgetful waterers
- •Homes with pets
- •Low-maintenance gardens
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
Bloom Seasons
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place in the sunniest spot in your garden.
Watering
Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot.