{"title":"Asclepias","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias plants are popular perennial flowering \u003ca title=\"plants that attract butterflies\" href=\".\/butterfly-garden-plants-flowers-that-attract-butterflies\"\u003eplants that attract butterflies\u003c\/a\u003e with their brightly colored flower clusters, hence the common names \u003cstrong\u003ebutterfly weed \u003c\/strong\u003eand \u003cstrong\u003ebutterfly flower\u003c\/strong\u003e. The flowers, leaves, and stems of this perennial wildflower are toxic, but not to butterflies or their larvae. Butterflies and other herbivorous insects that ingest asclepias nectar or leaves store the toxins in their bodies becoming toxic to any birds that subsequently snack on them. Monarch butterfly larvae feed almost exclusively on asclepias leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eThe brightly colored flowers are also popular with hummingbirds. We have collected a few special asclepias selections hoping that gardeners will broaden their botanical horizons with a variety of butterfly milkweeds. Many asclepias species are \u003ca title=\"North Carolina native plants\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/north-carolina-native-plants-wildflowers\"\u003eNorth Carolina native plants\u003c\/a\u003e for those of you inclined to favor them.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSome asclepias are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun and well-drained, somewhat dry soil, while others require saturated soils or standing water. Some are tough, low maintenance plants which require no supplemental irrigation, while others prefer moisture, which makes them perfect for rain gardens. Some milkweed plants are also salt tolerant.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eBroken stems will produce a milky latex sap that is a skin irritant to some so take care when pruning milkweed. The attractive, long-lasting flowers of asclepias are followed in the late summer by spindle shaped seed pods that split open to release dandelion-like seeds attached to a fibrous parachute.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMilkweed plants are in the dogbane family and are a botanical cousin of mandevilla, \u003ca title=\"amsonia\" href=\"\/collections\/amsonia\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eamsonia\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca title=\"vinca\" href=\"\/collections\/vinca\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evinca\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow and Care for Asclepias (Milkweed)\u003c\/h2\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere to Plant Milkweed\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias can be planted anytime the ground is not frozen and when they can be irrigated until establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen to Plant\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMid to late summer is the best time to plant, but asclepias can be planted in any season once the danger of frost is over.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMilkweed does best with at least 6 hours of full sun for the best flowers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eSoil Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eGood drainage is the key for those asclepias plants that prefer dry soils. Many milkweeds are salt and drought-tolerant and can be grown even in poor soils. On these species, crown rot can occur in overly wet, poorly drained soils or if planted too deep. Many species of asclepias prefer slightly acidic soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eAsclepias Water Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAdequate water is important until the milkweed plant has established roots. Keep the area moist but not too soggy. Again, good drainage is key. Once established, water moderately. \u003cem\u003eAsclepias incarnata\u003c\/em\u003e (Swamp Milkweed) prefers moist to soggy soils but can fare well in typical garden soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eFertilizer\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the garden, asclepias should never need chemical fertilizers.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003ePests \u0026amp; Diseases\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eMilkweeds are mostly pest free but can be susceptible to aphids. Crown rot can occur if dry-loving species are planted too deeply or over-watered in poorly drained soils. Milkweed is deer and rabbit resistant.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eBloom Times\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias species bloom throughout the spring and summer, depending on the species. Longer days are required to break dormancy.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eToxicity\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias is poisonous to livestock so avoid planting in or around pastures. While asclepias is not dangerously toxic to humans, the sap can cause skin irritation for some so be sure to wear appropriate gloves when pruning.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eHere are just a few of the possible companion plants to get you started. Visit our collection of \u003ca title=\"butterfly attracting plants\" href=\".\/butterfly-garden-plants-flowers-that-attract-butterflies\"\u003ebutterfly attracting plants\u003c\/a\u003e for a comprehensive list.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cul\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Buddleia Grand Cascade\" href=\"\/products\/buddleia-grand-cascade-pp-30868\"\u003eBuddleia (Grand Cascade)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Sedum (Back in Black)\" href=\"\/products\/sedum-back-in-black-pp-33632\"\u003eSedum (Back in Black)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Baptisia (Lunar Eclipse)\" href=\"\/products\/baptisia-lunar-eclipse-pp-25875\"\u003eBaptisia (Lunar Eclipse)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca title=\"Muhlenbergia capillaris (Hairy Awn Muhly Grass)\" href=\"\/products\/muhlenbergia-capillaris\"\u003eMuhlenbergia capillaris (Hairy Awn Muhly Grass)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"asclepias-tuberosa-butterfly-flower","title":"Asclepias tuberosa","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 2017 Perennial Plant Association plant of the year, Asclepias tuberosa is a heat and drought tolerant US native, that can be found in all but seven Northwest states. Commonly known as butterfly weed, this easy-to-grow perennial forms 2' tall x 2' wide clumps of upright stems, clothed with fuzzy, narrow green leaves. Clumps of Asclepias tuberosa are topped with branched terminal clusters of brilliant orange flowers, which are enjoyed by guess what... Monarch butterflies! The flowers, which are also highly prized by all kinds of bees, are followed by unusual seed pods that burst open to spread their silk laden seed. Good drainage and plenty of sun are the keys to success.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAsclepias tuberosa is a maintenance free perennial, requiring virtually no care in the garden. When the old foliage dies back in late summer, little remains but a few dried stalks that can be easily pulled off.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun for at least six hours, and a very well-draining soil is the key to success. Butterfly weed has no tolerance for soils that hold much moisture, or drain poorly. As a rule, the worse you treat butterfly weed, the better it thrives.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAsclpeias tuberosa is prized by a number of pollinators such as native bees, but it is also required by the larvae of monarch butterflies. So, if you see the foliage is being eaten, do not spray. Butterfly weed is designed for its foliage to be eaten and quickly resprout.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21000244997,"sku":"335","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-tuberosa.i-335.s-64354.r-1_7a94e1bb-5590-4686-8e60-a93b748f2844.jpg?v=1792423117"},{"product_id":"asclepias-incarnata-cinderella","title":"Asclepias incarnata Cinderella","description":"\u003cp\u003eNative to all but the six most western US states, Asclepias incarnata forms stunning 50\" tall stalks, topped in summer with branched terminal heads of mauvy-pink flowers, attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Asclepias incarnata prefers moist-to-soggy soils but fares well in typical garden soils...barring extended droughts. A regular renaissance plant, Asclepias incarnata stays fresh in a vase as well as being a monarch butterfly indulgence...hopefully not at the same time.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21000276037,"sku":"388","price":17.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-incarnata-Cinderella.i-388.s-29689.r-1.jpg?v=1791407224"},{"product_id":"asclepias-tuberosa-hello-yellow","title":"Asclepias tuberosa Hello Yellow","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias 'Hello Yellow' is a seed strain of the typically bright orange-flowered, North American native \u003ca title=\"Asclepias tuberosa\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/products\/asclepias-tuberosa-butterfly-flower\"\u003eAsclepias tuberosa\u003c\/a\u003e, which flowers remarkably true within the range of yellow-gold. The drought-tolerant deciduous Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' makes a 20\" tall x 2' wide mound of stems clothed with index finger-sized green leaves that are topped, starting in early June (NC), with branched terminal clusters of golden to yellow-gold flowers...a favorite butterfly attractant!\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":21027577413,"sku":"6700","price":22.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-tuberosa-Hello-Yellow.i-6700.s-64178.r-1_f21210b4-547d-4613-88fe-03c8baec0fdc.jpg?v=1792425121"},{"product_id":"asclepias-purpurascens-purple-milkweed","title":"Asclepias purpurascens","description":"\u003cp\u003eNative from Canada south to Louisiana, with the heaviest concentration in Missouri, Asclepias purpurascens is one of those great North American native plants that should be grown in all sunny gardens. The 2' tall green stems emerge from dormancy, clothed in 6\" long x 3\" wide dark green leaves, on opposite sides of the stem. Starting for us in mid-May, the terminal and upper leaf axils are home to dozens of 2-3\" wide spheres, each composed of fascinating rosy-purple, hoya-like flowers. Asclepias purpurascens spreads a tiny bit, but nothing like the weedy Asclepias syriaca, which we long ago banished from our gardens. Asclepias purpurascens is a favorite of a large number of bees, butterflies, skippers, and even ruby-throated hummingbirds. Both flowers and shoots of Asclepias purpurascens can be eaten by humans if cooked. Paper can be made from the fiber in the stems, and chewing gum and wart remover from the white latex sap. Sounds like a great value to us!\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":26966953029,"sku":"12659","price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-purpurascens.i-12659.s-67242.r-1.jpg?v=1792423280"},{"product_id":"asclepias-asperula","title":"Asclepias asperula","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias asperula, commonly know as antelope horn due to the leaf and seedpod shape, is a widespread US native that can be found on dry sandy\/gravelly soils from Oklahoma west to southern California. The plant forms a 2' tall x 3' wide clump, adorned from March into May (NC) with amazingly intricate 2\" wide, dome-shaped flower heads composed of dozens of flowers with green petals and a central purple, green, and white star...a favorite of both Queen and Monarch butterflies. If you're fascinated with the amazing patterns found in nature, antelope horn milkweed is for you.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003ch3\u003eGarden Maintenance:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eIn the garden, it requires no maintenance as long as its growing in the proper conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eSunny, very dry and well-drained soils are the perfect habitat.Rich and heavily fertilized soils should be avoided.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eGarden Value:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eWe find this native milkweed to be a great textural addition to the dry garden. Unlike many milkweeds, which spread quite vigorously, this one remains a tight clump.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003ch3\u003eNatural Impact:\u003c\/h3\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAs with all \u003ca title=\"More milkweeds for sale\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/asclepias-milkweed\"\u003emilkweeds\u003c\/a\u003e, they are great hosts for butterflies, particularly the well-loved monarchs.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12454303367191,"sku":"13329","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-asperula.i-13329.s-65507.r-1_c04fdc4d-ce4f-4108-80b7-0922db7ab869.jpg?v=1789491865"},{"product_id":"asclepias-angustifolia-sonoita-narrow-leaf-milkweed","title":"Asclepias angustifolia Sonoita","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias angustifolia is a truly superb garden plant, that is virtually unknown outside its native range in southern Arizona and adjacent Mexico, where it can be found between 4,000' and 7,000' elevation. Narrow-leaf milkweed forms a tight clump of upright stalks that create a 2' tall x 2' wide garden specimen. The stalks are clothed with \u003ca title=\"amsonia\" href=\"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/amsonia\"\u003eamsonia\u003c\/a\u003e-like foliage, and topped from May through September (NC) with terminal clusters of flowers that emerge as blush pink buds opening white. After one flush of flowers is complete another flush starts, and this continues throughout the spring and summer. Our offering is a seed strain from a Patrick McMillan collection in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Disclaimer: Monarch butterflies are not shipped with the plants...they will be flying in on their own in summer.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39365159845975,"sku":"16869","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-angustifolia-Sonoita.i-16869.s-66496.r-1.jpg?v=1785514310"},{"product_id":"asclepias-viridis","title":"Asclepias viridis","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias viridis is a US prairie native (Ohio south to Florida and west to Texas), that makes a superb garden perennial. For us, green antelope horn milkweed forms a 2' tall x 2' wide clumping specimen with thick outward leaning stalks. The terminal flower heads start for us in early May with a cluster of green buds that open to reveal green petals that hold the symmetrically arranged purple stamens. Asclepias viridis is very similar to Asclepias asperula, but with wider foliage. Average to dry soils are preferred. Asclepias viridis is a favorite of bees and monarch butterflies, but thankfully, not deer.\u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39536671850583,"sku":"10907","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-viridis.i-10907.s-66579.r-1_ec58436d-dec6-47ab-9f19-3a5b3acd01c3.jpg?v=1792423888"},{"product_id":"asclepias-perennis","title":"Asclepias perennis","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias perennis is another little known, but easy to grow milkweed that hails from sunny floodplains, marshes, and other constantly wet sites from South Carolina west to Texas. Despite these origins, it has thrived for us in standard garden soils both in sun and part sun. Asclepias perennis forms a 2' tall x 2' wide small clump of upright, purple-blushed stems, clothed with long, narrow green leaves. Starting in spring, and continuing through summer, the clumps are topped with terminal clusters of 2 dozen rosy pink buds that open white, providing a feast for roving bees and monarch butterfly caterpillars.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWatch our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/OyiW7KWWsHU?si=aytvXZ-2TNuhOuG_\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlant Delights\u003c\/a\u003e video for more information. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40224029769815,"sku":"11648","price":23.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-perennis.i-11648.s-68263.r-1_730f077f-218d-4663-8737-628b84baf226.jpg?v=1787660684"},{"product_id":"asclepias-incarnata","title":"Asclepias incarnata","description":"\u003cp\u003eAsclepias incarnata is a widespread North American native, hailing from most of the US, with the exception of the West Coast. In the wild, it is found primarily in wetlands, but in a garden, can take all but the driest of sites, as long as it get's plenty of sun. The 50\" stalks are topped with clusters of dark pinks flowers during the summer months, which will result in a bevy of butterflies and hummingbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e ","brand":"Plant Delights Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42450487476311,"sku":"18153","price":17.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/files\/Asclepias-incarnata.i-18153.s-68482.r-1_a19fe19d-19e9-444d-b238-6e93e4ad4c7f.jpg?v=1791486525"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1527\/8799\/collections\/Asclepias-angustifolia-Sonoita-1900x350.jpg?v=1687893502","url":"https:\/\/www.plantdelights.sbs\/collections\/asclepias-milkweed.oembed","provider":"Plant Delights Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}