Cardiospermum halicacabum
lesser balloon vine
Pantropical (Americas, Africa, Asia)
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Cardiospermum halicacabum is a fast-growing herbaceous vine in the soapberry family, climbing 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 m) in a season by means of curling tendrils. The thin stems carry deeply divided, toothed, light green leaves. Small white flowers about 0.2 inch (5 mm) wide appear in clusters from summer into fall, each cluster bearing a pair of tendrils at its base. The flowers are followed by inflated, papery, three-chambered seed capsules 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide that resemble small green balloons, drying to tan. Each chamber holds a round black seed marked with a white heart-shaped spot, the source of the common name love-in-a-puff. Grown as a warm-season annual, it dies with frost but self-sows heavily and can become weedy. Native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, it has naturalized in many warm parts of the world and is listed as invasive in parts of the southern United States, where it smothers streamside vegetation. It grows in full sun to part shade on a range of soils and climbs quickly over fences, shrubs, and other supports.
Native Range
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, and naturalized widely in warm temperate and tropical areas. In the southern United States it grows along streambanks, fencerows, thickets, and disturbed ground, where it is regarded as invasive in some states.Suggested Uses
Grown as a quick warm-season screen on trellises, fences, and arbors, and as a novelty for its balloon-like pods and heart-marked seeds. Spaced 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart along a support, it covers ground in one season. The dried pods are used in arrangements and crafts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 12'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
light greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun to part shade on most well-drained soils; the vine tolerates heat and a range of conditions. It grows quickly and needs a fence, trellis, or other support to climb. Water during establishment, after which it is fairly drought tolerant. As a frost-tender annual it dies back with cold but reseeds prolifically, so volunteer seedlings appear the following season and can spread beyond the intended area. Taking off the capsules before seeds drop reduces unwanted spread. No serious pests or diseases affect it.Pruning
Cut back or pull vines at the end of the season once frost kills the top growth. Trimming during the season keeps the vine within bounds on its support. Removing developing capsules limits self-seeding.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons
⚠️ Toxicity Warning
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
spring after last frost
Plant Spacing
12 inches