Gomphocarpus physocarpus

Gomphocarpus physocarpus Details

Gomphocarpus physocarpus, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Hairy Balls Plant, is an upright shrub growing to about 1.5 m tall and 60 cm wide. It carries light green leaves held off slender branches on a single stemmed trunk. Cream coloured, attractive flowers are borne in clusters throughout the year but mainly during summer. They are followed by large, inflated fruits covered with soft spines which eventually split and release seeds. The Swan Plant grows best on a well-drained site that does not dry out in full sun. Gomphocarpus physocarpus is a favoured food source for the caterpillars of Monarch butterflies and is a must for any plantings aimed at attracting such insects. It is also commonly included in mixed plantings and cottage gardens.