Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) Quick Facts:
USDA, NRCS. 2016. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov)
Host plant to Monarch, nectar to many
Herbaceous perennial
Native to west and central US and Canada
Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
Full sun
Medium moist to dry, well-drained soil
Fragrant pink flowers bloom summer to fall
Up to 4 feet tall
Space 1-2 feet apart
Seeds need 30 day cold stratification or fall sow
Will spread by seed and underground rhizomes
Showy Milkweed Plants
These plants are grown specifically to be safe for butterflies/caterpillars. These plants are in a 3 1/2″ pot and are ready to go in the ground or be potted into a larger container.
Paula Sanders (verified owner) –
These are magnificent plants. This is my first time ordering from Joyful Butterfly, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The 3.5″ pots had VERY strong and large plants. Each plant has a strong central stalk that is about 14-16″ high and covered with large leaves. The are perfectly rootbound–lots of roots to loosen but not so entangled that they break. I have bought from every high-end mail order plant site, and these are the very best plants I’ve ever received. And they were so lovingly and carefully packed. Not a bit of damage to them at all. Bravo. I just put them into my garden here in Houston, TX. I expect them to do very well. Thanks for a wonderful experience–the first of many, I hope!
anthony moschella (verified owner) –
Received a nice plant last year. Died back here in Dallas over the winter but has come back larger than before and looks great. Looking forward to seeing it bloom……and get devoured.