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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- 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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