Create Your Garden
GUIDES

Asclepias (Milkweed) - Expert Tips for Gardening Success

Asclepias, also known as Milkweed, are wonderfully adaptable plants that can add charm to any garden. Here are some expert tips to ensure successful cultivation of these vibrant, ecologically valuable plants.

  • Site Selection: Milkweeds appreciate sun and thrive in locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Select a location with good drainage as these plants dislike waterlogged soils.
  • Soil Preparation: Milkweeds are not fussy about soil. They can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils, provided it drains well. If your soil is heavy clay or tends to remain soggy, consider improving the drainage by adding organic matter or grit.
  • Planting: If you’re growing from seed, sow them directly outdoors in the fall, or start them indoors in late winter. If you’re using plants, dig a hole that is just as deep but twice as wide as the pot, place the plant in, backfill, and firm the soil gently around it.
  • Watering and Care: Water newly planted Milkweeds regularly until they’re established. Once they’re mature, they’re remarkably drought-tolerant. Deadheading spent blooms will encourage repeat flowering, but leaving some will allow attractive seed pods to form.
  • Pests and Disease: Asclepias is usually pest and disease resistant, but keep an eye out for aphids and milkweed bugs. Remember, caterpillars of the Monarch butterfly are a welcome sight and not a pest!
  • Winter Care: In colder climates, cut back the stems after the first frost and apply a thick layer of mulch to protect the roots.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful, butterfly-friendly garden with Asclepias.

Asclepias, Milkweed, Pink Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, asclepias incarnata, Butterfly Flower, Butterfly Root, Butterfly Weed, Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias syriaca
Refine by
Clear all filters
HardinessWhat's My Zone?
Climate Zones
Season of Interest
Exposure
Maintenance
Water Needs

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone