SEEDS – $5/packet (30-50)
Gomphocarpus physocarpus or the ‘Giant Swan Plant‘. More robust, and more resistant to the onslaught of the caterpillars, much more resilient than the Swan Plant (G. fruticosus).
| When identifying the two plants, the main difference is that the seedpod of G. physocarpus is not swan-shaped (although it’s often called the Giant Swan Plant) but has round seedpods. The leaves are shorter and wider, and the plant will grow to 2-4 metres, whereas the Swan Plant reaches 1-2 metres. |
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$5/packet. Plant them now in a warm, sheltered place and be ready for the Spring!
Sow directly in the garden when soil is warmer. For earlier sowings use seed mix in egg cartons (or similar) and cover with a light sprinkling of topsoil. Keep moist and warm. Transplant when seedlings are 5-10cm tall.
You can order seeds by sending your order and payment to the Monarch Butterfly NZ Trust, PO Box 44100, Pt Chevalier, Auckland 1246. Cheques should be made out to MBNZT, or pay by internet banking into our account with Kiwibank, account number 38-9009-0654693-00. Please ensure you code your payment with your surname and send us an email with your details.
PS Yes, the seeds USED to be classified as Asclepias physocarpa and A. fruticosa, but the herbarium at Kew Gardens and other botanists tell us the plants were reclassified in 2001 as the African family of milkweed, Gomphocarpus species.
PPS These prices are in NZ$. We are happy to send all items except seeds overseas but will need to negotiate a special price depending on currency fluctuations and postage and packaging.
