Asclepias Tuberosa

Butterfly Weed

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

2017 PPA Plant of the Year
A punch of intense tangerine orange invites droves of butterflies. A butterfly host plant for Monarchs in particular; butterflies also cherish its lavish flower clusters filled with scrumptious nectar. Green seed pods open to glistening silky parachutes that float with the breeze to a new location. Butterfly Weed emerges late in the spring. Requires little care once established. Tough as nails, this beauty is Native to eastern North America.

Code ASTU

Patent

Plant Type Perennials

Species

Height Medium 18-24"

Spacing Plant 24" apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Late Summer

Sun / Shade Full Sun

Zones 3-9

Soil Type Normal, Sandy, Clay, Acidic

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

PPA Plant of the Year

Chosen by a national association of gardeners and growers, these standout perennials are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require little maintenance and offer multiple-season interest!

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Winter Interest

Planting Sites

  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant

Asclepias General Information

Asclepias are best in sunny locations with sandy soils. Milkweed is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies and also a host plant for them to lay their eggs. Plant in groups to attract more butterflies. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Asclepias Plant Care

Low maintenance. Self-sows readily. Can be slow to establish but is long-lived once it takes hold. Late to emerge in the spring. Divide and cut back in spring when new growth starts, being careful of long taproot. Long taproot makes division difficult. Be aware that Asclepias is slow to recover once moved or divided. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom and prevent self sowing. Allow some spent flowers from 2nd bloom to remain on plant to form ornamental fruit for late season interest.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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