Giant Swan Plant Milkweed for Monarchs
Gomphocarpus physocarpus common names: Asclepias physocarpa is the former botanical name, Bishop’s balls, Goose plant, Giant swan plant, Hairy balls, Family jewels, Oscar, Cotton-bush, Balloon cotton-bush, Balloon plant milkweed.
- Perennial zone for USDA hardiness zones 8 and above (lows -12.2 °C or 10 °F)
- Native range: eastern part of South Africa
- Fast growing annual for colder zones
- Full sun to part shade
- Height: 4 to 6 feet (can grow taller)
- Spacing: 2 to 3 ft
- White flowers with purple accents
- Blooms mid to late summer
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nature note: Though the mud daubers look ominous, they have never shown aggression in our garden. They’re also frequent visitors to our swamp and tropical milkweed plants.
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Can sustain lots of munching monarch caterpillars late season
- Also a nectar source for monarch butterflies
- Long stems with pods make this ornamental plant an amazing table centerpiece
- Use long cuttings to feed caterpillars indoors
- Last viable milkweed species before fall takes over