Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - May 11, 2012
From: Little Rock, AR
Region: Southeast
Topic: Invasive Plants, Propagation, Vines
Title: Need care instructions for Cardiosperma halicacabum in Little Rock, AR>
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I'd like to find out how to cultivate & care for a balloon vine/heart seed vine/love in a puff vine which I found growing wild in my yard (in Little Rock, Arkansas). There seems to be very little information available, as it seems many regard it as a weed. If possible, I would like information on what conditions it prefers, how hardy it is indoor/outdoor, and if it can be propagated from cuttings. Thank you!ANSWER:
First a word from our sponsor. The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
Balloon Vine is a fast growing vine that is native to Tropical America, and is thus out of our area of focus. The USDA has placed it on the Arkansas State Noxious Weeds List.
I was able to find 2 sources that describe how to grow the plant.
landscapesolutions
plantsforafuture
In Little Rock, which is in Hardiness Zone 8a, the plant will probably grow as an annual (die back each winter), and re-seed each year. I did not find any specific references to propagating Balloon Vine by cuttings, but this link to North Carolina State University is a good reference for plant propagation in general.
More Vines Questions
Are berries of coral honeysuckle edible from Lufkin TX
May 21, 2013 - Are the berries of coral honeysuckle edible?
view the full question and answer
Attractive Native Vines to Cover a Chain Link Fence in Upstate New York
September 19, 2009 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants. I live in Upstate NY (Albany) and my yard is bordered by an old chain link fence. I would like to cover the fence with a natural looking plant (I assume Ivy). What do you ...
view the full question and answer
Plants in bloom in April in Stuart FL
February 24, 2012 - Can you tell me which plants I might reasonably expect to see in bloom in April of this year?
view the full question and answer
Evergreen vine for Austin
June 21, 2009 - In addition to coral honeysuckle, carolina jasmine, and crossvine can you recommend any other fairly hardy, evergreen vines that will do well draping from the top of a wall in Austin, Texas. Exposure ...
view the full question and answer
Control of grapevines in trees
June 15, 2007 - Grapevines have overtaken some of the trees on our property in Central Texas. What is the best way to get rid of the grapevines and (hopefully) save the trees?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
