Balloon Plant Milkweed, ( Asclepias physocarpa ) Tender Perennia

Unusual and abundant cut flower.

rched branches with neat, bamboo-like foliage. White flowers with lavender-colored centers develop into large, papery seed pods. Plants are grown primarily for their 2-3" decorative seed pods, but the big, sturdy plants also make a vigorous and attractive addition to flower beds and borders. Excellent for large arrangements, dried arrangements, or alone as a centerpiece. Seed pods maintain lime-green color and balloon-like form when dried. Perennial in Zones 9-11. Also known as hairy balls, swan plant, swan milkweed, and balloon plant. Ht. 32-72"

Growing Butterfly Weed Seeds: Young plants should be watered until they become established; mature plants can tolerate drought, and the roots will be damaged by excessively wet soil. Butterfly Weed grows slowly, and this plant may take 2-3 years to produce flowers. Though not invasive, this plant will eventually spread if left to drop its seed. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Deer avoid this plant. If aphids become a problem, dislodge them from the plant with a strong stream of water.
Harvesting Butterfly Weed: This makes a striking cut flower. Because the stems contain no milky sap, these flowers tend to have a longer vase life than most milkweed varieties. Cut the stems long, choosing flowers that have just opened.

Saving Butterfly Weed Seeds: After the plant finishes flowering, 3-4” narrow pods will form. Be sure to harvest the pods before they split and the silky fluff carries the seeds away on the wind. As soon as the seeds inside the pod ripen to their mature brown color, remove the pods and spread them out to dry. Split open the pods and take out the silky seed material. Remove the fluff from the seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Detailed Butterfly Weed Info: Origin: US Native Other Common Names: Pleurisy Root, Orange Milkweed, Butterfly Milkweed Duration: Perennial Bloom Time: Summer Height: 24-36 inches Spacing: 15-18 inches Light: Full Sun to Part Shade Soil Moisture: Medium to Dry USDA Zone: 3-10 Seeds Per Oz: 5,000 Produces a bushy, neat plant with dark green blade-like foliage and flat topped clusters of bright orange flowers.

Flower Specifications
Season: Perennial
USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Height: 28 inches
Bloom Season: Summer and fall
Bloom Color: WHITE
Environment: Full sun
Soil Type: Sharply-drained, even rocky, pH 5.8 - 7.2
Deer Resistant: Yes

Planting Directions
Temperature: 60F
Average Germ Time: 28 - 42 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: DO NOT COVER
Sowing Rate: 2 - 4 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 24 inches

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