Cardiospermum halicacabum
balloon vine
A tropical, evergreen climber, usually grown as an annual. It has finely cut foliage and deliacte twining tendrils. Insignificant white flowers are followed by inflated, spherical seed pods, each containing a black seed marked with white heart - hence its common name Love-in-a-Puff
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
A genus of around 14 species of herbaceous vines, native to tropical regions of America, Africa and India. The foliage is finely cut and hairy, with twining tendrils and insignificant white flowers. Seed capsules are inflated, which is why plants within this genus are also known as the 'balloon vine'
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tropical Africa, India, North and South America
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant out after the last frosts in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Provide support for the twining tendrils (or allow to cascade down from a container). Water freely and apply a balanced liquid feed every 2 weeks
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed indoors or under glass in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- hanging basket
- Patio and container plants
- Climber and wall shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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