Gomphocarpus fruticosus Seeds | Swan Plant Milkweed
LATIN NAME: Gomphocarpus fruticosus
COMMON NAME: Swan Plant
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Swan Plant, Gomphocarpus fruticosus is a perennial in the dogbane family, native to south Africa. Swan plant swells its pale-green, balloon-like, softly bristly fruits, and small, white and violet flowers open among narrow leaves. Plant is a fine, curious presence of warm garden, with milky sap best handled with gloves, and it is a plant of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained ground. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the dogbane family, Gomphocarpus fruticosus is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. From a research perspective, species of this kind are valuable material for work on propagation and on the selection of uniform lines.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Swan Plant earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Swan plant is a fine, curious shrub of warm garden and study collection. It is a fine, curious shrub of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained garden. Give young plants deep, moist bed, and balloon-like fruits will come in the first warm season. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Balloon milkweed is a monarch-feeding curiosity with the family’s typical toxic sap; grow it for the swan-like pods and the butterflies.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Swan Plant, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
It comes from south africa, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. Swan Plant is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Beginners will find it patient of imperfect technique.
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