Milkweed - Butterfly Flower

Butterflies will seek out your garden when you grow this vigorous, heirloom perennial, a preferred nectar plant for monarchs and other pollinators. Beginning in summer, you will be treated to a profusion of fiery, red-orange flowers followed by decorative green seed pods. Drought tolerant once established; performs in poor soils. Native to much of the United States. A long-lasting addition to cut flower arrangements. Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer. Sap is toxic; avoid eye/skin contact and do not ingest.

Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: Eastern U.S., Canada, and Northern Mexico

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3 and warmer

Plant Dimensions: 24"–36" tall

Variety Information: Individual flowers ½", borne in brilliant red-orange clusters.

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Summer

Attributes: Attracts Pollinators, Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or fall for spring germination.

When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 14–28 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 12"–24"

Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 12"–24"