Milkweed

Perennial. The hardy native milkweed is essential to the survival of Monarch butterflies. Mature butterflies feed on the nectar produced in the flowers, while the foliage provides food for their larvae. The brilliant orange and yellow flowers are showy in massed plantings, but fascinating up close, with their intricate detail. The three-foot plant is native throughout the eastern and southern regions of the country, usually preferring drier sites, and should be hardy except at very high elevations. Very durable and long-lived once established, and may gently increase on its own in favorable locations. CAUTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities, and contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

• 6-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 14-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/4-1/2"
  
• Plant Spacing: 12-24"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
  
• Asclepias tuberosa
  

Growing Tips: Can be started indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of last frost, or direct sown outdoors. ATTENTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities; contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Perennial in zones 3-9. This vibrant yellow milkweed is just the ticket to add sunshine to your garden and beckon droves of beneficial insects! Plants stand 1.5 to 3 feet tall and are topped with umbels of lemon yellow blooms, which are wildly attractive to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other native pollinators. Drought tolerant once established, this is a great choice for meadows, low-water landscaping, beds, borders and even the cutting garden. Milkweed is the sole food source of the imperiled monarch caterpillar. 

• 6-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 14-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/4-1/2"
  
• Plant Spacing: 12-24"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
  
• Asclepias tuberosa
  

Growing Tips: Can be started indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of last frost, or direct sown outdoors. ATTENTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities; contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Perennial. Rosy-pink-flowered milkweed that is the best choice for moist locations, as it is native to wet ground throughout much of North America. Supports the Monarch and other butterfly populations as well as bees and hummingbirds. The sweet vanilla fragrance and large numbers of flowers support the gardener’s enjoyment, as well. May reach 5 feet tall in favored locations. CAUTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities, and contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

• 6-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 14-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/4-1/2"
  
• Plant Spacing: 12-24"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
  
• Asclepias incarnata
  

Growing Tips: Can be started indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of last frost, or direct sown outdoors. ATTENTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities; contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

A gorgeous pollinator attractor plant that is host to the monarch butterfly and others. A native milkweed of the Western half of the U.S., this herbaceous perennial will bloom from May to September. The ornamental blooms are like fireworks bursting in lavender to rose colors. This beneficial insect magnet provides food and habitat to the monarch butterfly, and is a larval host to dogbane tiger moth and queen butterfly; the apple clearwing moth is attracted to this plant as well. Plants reach can grow up to 5 feet tall, and spread through rhizomes, coming back each year. It is a native wildflower for any central west and western gardener looking to put out a buffet for loads of beneficial insects.

• 6-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 14-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 65-70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/4-1/2"
  
• Plant Spacing: 12-24"
• Frost Hardy: Yes
  
• Asclepias speciosa
  

Growing Tips: Can be started indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of last frost, or direct sown outdoors. ATTENTION: The milky sap is poisonous if ingested in large quantities; contact with the skin may cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Perennial zones 10-11, frost-tender annual in cooler zones. This sky-blue flowered milkweed relative makes an excellent cut flower and will attract a range of pollinators! Tweedia is native to South America, where it grows as a scrambling vine. As an annual it will average about 2 feet tall. Beware of irritating and toxic sap when cut.

• 8-12 hours of Sun
• Sprouts in 14-21 Days
• Ideal Temperature: 70 Degrees F
• Seed Depth: 1/8"
  
• Plant Spacing: 2-3'
• Frost Hardy: No
  
• Oxypetalum coeruleum
  

Growing Tips: Plants reach 1-3 feet in height, good for container or landscaping. Prefers well-drained soil. Heat-and sun-loving plant, keep well watered.