Plant of the Month: Jan. 2013
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This evergreen relative of edible capers attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and blooms year-round with occasional water.
Bladderpod
Peritoma arborea (Formerly Isomeris arborea)
- Plant Form: Evergreen Shrub
- Water Use: Very Low
- Mature Size: 4’-6’ tall & wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Bloom Time: Year-round; heaviest bloom Feb – June
- Native to: California
- Hardiness: Cold Hardy to 25° F
Bladderpod is a hardy, drought-tolerant, evergreen shrub with lacy gray-green leaves. This relative of capers produces showy, yellow snapdragon-like flowers year-round with only occasional water. Bladderpod derives its name from its seed pods that are shaped like small balloons or inflated “bladders”, which enclose this plant’s pea-like fruit. This under-appreciated native of both high and low deserts of California makes a great border or filler, and is a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. The bright, all-season flowers more than make up for its odd-smelling leaves. Prefers well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering in summer, when it is normally dormant in the wild. Bladderpod is easily grown from seed sown directly in place.
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