Hairy Balls Milkweed (Gomphocarpus physocarpus), also known as Balloon Plant or Swan Milkweed, stands out for its large, balloon-like seed pods covered in soft bristles. These unique pods, which grow to the size of tennis balls, add an exotic touch to late-season gardens and are popular in fresh and dried floral arrangements. Tall and willowy, this milkweed reaches heights of 4 to 6 feet with long, slender leaves and delicate white flowers accented with pale purple centers. Blooming in late summer to early fall, it becomes a valuable nectar source for pollinators and a crucial food source for late-season monarch caterpillars.
Native to South Africa, Hairy Balls Milkweed thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it well-suited for xeriscaping, cottage gardens, and wildlife habitats. Its drought tolerance and resistance to deer make it an easy addition to sunny borders or as a dramatic feature in large containers. Despite its whimsical appearance, this plant is highly functional, providing sustenance for butterflies and beneficial insects while requiring minimal maintenance. However, caution is advised when handling its milky sap, which can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Hairy Balls Milkweed Care
Plant Hairy Balls Milkweed in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained, moderately moist soil. It adapts well to sandy or loamy soil types and can withstand dry conditions once established. After planting outdoors, water deeply but allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Fertilization is rarely needed, though a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the start of the growing season to support vigorous growth.
To promote a bushier, sturdier plant, pinch back stems when they reach 10 inches tall. These tall plants may benefit from staking if grown in areas with strong winds. Avoid overwatering, especially in cooler regions, and allow the plant to grow freely to support pollinator activity. In areas with cold winters, the plant dies back completely, though it can be brought indoors in bright light for continued growth.
Hairy Balls Milkweed Spacing
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow their upright branches ample room to spread and for proper air circulation. In mass plantings, maintain consistent spacing for a uniform appearance. For container growth, choose a pot at least 18 inches wide and deep to accommodate its fibrous root system and tall growth habit.
- SKU:
- HBMHAIRYB-GC
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations