Learn How To Plant, Care and Grow Splendid Asclepias
Milkweed, Common Milkweed, Butterflyweed, Swamp Milkweed, Showy Milkweed, Mexican Whorled Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias incarnata, Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias fascicularis, Asclepias curassavica
Mostly native to the U.S. and Canada, Asclepias include over 100 species of evergreen or deciduous perennials adorned with clusters of small, interestingly shaped blooms that are irresistible to butterflies. Attractive and easy to grow, they shine in many perennial gardens and are a key component of butterfly gardens, cottage gardens, or prairies and meadows.
Often fragrant, the attractive flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Milkweed plants are critical to the monarch butterflies survival. Without Milkweed, monarchs cannot successfully reproduce and the species declines. In the last 20 years, the monarch butterfly population in North America has decreased by 90%. By planting milkweed in your own garden, you can help reverse the fortune of these beautiful insects!
1. Select The Right Site
- Best flowering usually occurs in full sun except for a few species such as Asclepias purpurascens (Purple Milkweed), which prefers partial shade.
- Soil conditions vary with the Milkweed variety. While light, well-drained soils are usually best, some species including Asclepia incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) and Asclepia sullivantii (Prairie Milkweed) thrive in moist conditions.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 10
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
S Reed, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
3 - 10
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Asclepias |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Maintenance | Low |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |