African Milkweed Cottonbush Seeds – Heirloom Monarch Host Classic

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6 in stock In Stock - Shipped within 5 days

Contains about 1 gram of seeds

$2.40

SKU: GS-6694-SWA-DT

Free shipping on orders over $50

Organicly grown

Non GMO

Description

Gomphocarpus 'Fruticosus' (Gomphocarpus fruticosus), commonly known as Swan Plant, Balloon Plant, or African Milkweed, is an extraordinary open-pollinated tender perennial prized for its architectural form, unique seed pods, and vital ecological value. Growing into a multi-stemmed shrubby plant 4 to 6 feet tall, it features slender willow-like leaves along narrow upright stems. In midsummer, small droopings of scented cream-white starry flowers appear, followed by eye-catching, inflated, translucent soft-spined lime-green seed globes. A primary larval food source for Monarch butterflies, Cottonbush serves as a functional host plant, cut stem visual feature, or conversation piece in sun-drenched garden spaces.

Specifications

Plant Name: Gomphocarpus 'Fruticosus' / Cottonbush, Swan Plant (Gomphocarpus fruticosus)
Cultivar Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
Plant Class: Warm-Season Tender Perennial / Grown as Annual (Zones 3–8)
Color: Cream-white flowers, lime-green translucent pods, pale green foliage
Plant Characteristics: Upright shrubby habit (48–72 inches tall / 120–180 cm), willow-like narrow leaves, soft-spined balloon seed pods, milky sap stem, essential Monarch butterfly host
Suitable Space: Pollinator borders, cottage gardens, cut flower plots, large patio containers
Season: Summer through Autumn Pod Formation (Annual, ~80–90 Days to Pod Maturity)
Best Time for Sowing (Zone 6b): Start seeds indoors mid-March to early April 6 to 8 weeks before last spring frost (sow 0.125 inches deep, cover lightly). Direct sow outdoors late May after frost danger passes, soil warms completely. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Sunlight: Full Sun (6+ hours direct sunlight daily required)
Watering Needs: Low to Moderate (drought-tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soil, avoiding waterlogged roots)
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What is included?

Contains about 1 gram of seeds

Check out the growing specs for the specific organic heirloom seeds you bought.

Good to know

Vital larval food source attracting Monarch butterflies for egg laying, caterpillar feeding
Striking inflated balloon seed pods create distinct architectural texture in fresh, dried floral arrangements
Outstanding drought resistance, low maintenance requirements throughout hot summer months

Stems contain toxic milky latex sap requiring gloves during handling, pruning
Delicate foliage susceptible to heavy caterpillar defoliation during peak Monarch breeding cycles

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