Alphabetical Plant Listing

Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Deep Red' (Tropical Milkweed)

Tropical Milkweed 'Silky Deep Red', Bloodflower 'Silky Deep Red', Blood Flower 'Silky Deep Red', Cotton Bush 'Silky Deep Red', Hierba de la Cucaracha 'Silky Deep Red', Mexican Butterfly Weed 'Silky Deep Red', Redhead 'Silky Deep Red', Scarlet Milkweed 'Silky Deep Red', Wild Ipecacuanha 'Silky Deep Red'


Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Deep Red' (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of deep red flowers adorned with bright yellow hoods from late spring to late fall. Flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. The blooms occur on upright stems clad with lance-shaped, fresh green leaves. They give way to long, narrow seed pods in the fall. When the seed pods open, they reveal seeds with long, 3 in. (7 cm), silvery-white, silky hairs. A great choice for the flower garden and for natural settings.

Milkweed plants are critical to monarch butterflies' survival, whose population in North America has plummeted by 90% in the last 20 years. However, according to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Tropical Milkweed does more harm than good when planted in temperate areas where it does not die back in winter. A protozoan parasite of monarch butterflies, Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, can travel with monarchs visiting the plants and become deposited on leaves. When caterpillars hatch and start eating the plant, they ingest the OE. This results in lower migration success in the eastern monarch population, as well as reductions in body mass, lifespan, mating success, and flight ability. When Tropical Milkweed dies back after blooming, the parasite dies along with it so that each summer’s monarch population feeds on fresh, parasite-free foliage. 

  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Self-seeds profusely in warm winter areas.
  • Thrives in full sun in dry to medium well-drained soils.
  • Low maintenance, this perennial plant is generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Perfect for sunny borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and prairies or naturalized areas. Great for containers or as an indoor plant too!
  • Propagate by seed, division or basal cuttings.
  • All parts, particularly the roots, may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Plants can be poisonous to livestock.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
  • Native to South America

Milkweed: How To Grow and Care with Success

By providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy healthy and vibrant milkweed in your garden while supporting pollinator populations.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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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.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Asclepias
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm)
Spread 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Asclepias

Guides with Asclepias

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