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Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) is a gorgeous plant that produces purple/pink flower clusters that wildflower gardeners love and spreads quickly. This native perennial is a primary food source for the Monarch butterfly providing large leaves for caterpillars and big pink globe-like flowers that provide nectar for the adult butterflies. Planting it will help to support Monarch populations. Perennial.
Zones3 - 9
Advantages
Attract Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Native
Low Maintenance
Fragrant Flower / Foliage
Good For Cut Flowers
Multiplies / Naturalizes
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Water Tolerance
Low-Water
Mature Height 3-4' tall
Mature Spread24-30" wide
Bloom TimeMid to late summer
Shipping DetailsShipping begins the week of August 30th, 2021 Learn More…
Item Package SizePlant - 5" Deep Pot
SKUHC015430

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones

To determine if a plant is sufficiently cold hardy, the USDA created numbered zones indicating winter low temperatures; the lower the zone number the colder the winter.

  • If the coldest winter temperature expected in your area is -15°F (zone 5) then any plants rated zones 3-5 will survive the winter temperatures in your area.
  • If you live in very warm winter areas (zones 9-11) plants with zones 3-4 ratings are not recommended. The lack of freezing winter temperatures do not provide a time for winter dormancy (rest).

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Per Plant - 5" Deep Pot
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SKU
HC015430
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Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed) is a very familiar plant to many eastern gardeners. This perennial is perfect as a filler between your taller perennials and adds a nice touch of fragrance mid-late summer. The foliage is thick and glossy so it adds texture to help your garden look lush even in the peak of the summer! Native to the US from Canada to Georgia, and west to Texas. Reseeds in fall but is very easy to harvest. Clip off the seed pods before they open to help control growth but be sure to leave the foliage!

Common Milkweed is vital for the survival of the Monarch Butterfly which their population has been in a slow decline over the years. The large leaves are an essential food plant for Monarch caterpillars. Watch as the eggs hatch and larvae grow into the signature yellow striped caterpillars. Planting this perennial is a wonderful way to bring more excitement to your garden while also helping our native pollinators to thrive! ("Butterfly Weed" is a close relative, with bright orange flowers.) The plants spread vigorously by underground roots and should be planted inside areas of your landscape where it can be allowed to spread without overrunning other ornamental perennials. Ditches, fence lines and other areas with average to damp soils are ideal. 36-48" tall x 24-30" wide.

Asclepias syriaca Native Range: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV.

More Information
SKUHC015430
Item Package Size
Plant - 5" Deep Pot
Common Name
Common Milkweed
Botanical Name
Asclepias syriaca
Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun
Flower Color
Pink
Mature Height
3-4' tall
Mature Spread
24-30" wide
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Soil Type
Sandy Soil, Clay Soil, Average Soil
Soil Moisture
Average, Moist / Wet
Advantages
Attract Butterflies, Bee Friendly, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Native, Low Maintenance, Fragrant Flower / Foliage, Good For Cut Flowers, Multiplies / Naturalizes
Ideal Region
Anywhere In The US, Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest
Planting Time
Spring / Summer, Fall
Poisonous or Toxic to Animals
Yes
Native To
North America
Ships To Canada
No
Planting Guides

Asclepias (Milkweed) are sun loving plants that are essential perennials for monarch butterflies providing food for caterpillars and nectar for adult butterflies. They bloom from mid-summer into early fall and, with their milky sap, are resistant to rabbits and deer.

Asclepias can be divided into two groups for plant care; Asclepias tuberosa with orange (sometimes yellow) flowers and all the other species with pink (sometimes white) flowers.

  • Asclepias tuberosa (Orange Butterfly Weed) - this perennial stays dormant until later in the spring than many other plants, especially when grown in pots. It's fine to plant dormant plants; don't up-pot them for planting later in the growing season.

    • Preferred growing conditions:

    1. Need sandy or gravelly soils (except the Clay form which does well in heavier soils including dry clay.)
    2. Does best with gravel mulches.
    3. After their second growing season, only requires deep but infrequent watering. Plant in full hot sun.
    4. Just a few handfuls of compost and Yum Yum Mix added to the planting hole is enough. Don't plant into a rich, highly-amended soil.

    Special comments:

    • When planting dormant plants, water thoroughly after planting and wait to water again until the plant comes into active growth, at which time a deep watering every week or so is adequate. Take care not to overwater young transplants.
    • Asclepias has a long, carrot-like tap root that should remain undisturbed after planting and should NOT ever be divided.
  • Most Asclepias species are late to wake up in the spring, and will often be shipped as dormant plants. Don't despair if your milkweed is asleep. The white roots and woody crown are alive just waiting for consistently warm weather to wake up and begin to grow.these perennial species stay dormant later in the spring than many other plants, especially when they are grown in pots. It's fine to plant dormant plants; don't up-pot them for planting later in the growing season.

    • Preferred growing conditions:

    1. These species grow in a wide range of soil types, including clay.
    2. They don't need mulching (except in very hot climates).
    3. These are moisture-loving perennials and do well in wet to moderately moist soil conditions.
    4. Plant in full to part sun areas.
    5. They like compost enriched soils at planting time.

    Special comments:

    • Asclepias syriaca and A. speciosa will spread to make big patches of plants and are best planted in parts of the landscape where they won't crowd out less vigorous plants. Not recommended for the prime spots in your perennial beds.
    • Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) is a more refined grower and is fine to include in perennial beds.

Oftentimes, Milkweeds won't grow much their first season in the ground, so be patient. They are establishing their root system and crown. By the second growing season, the plants will begin to get bigger and look more robust. Asclepias species are an odd bunch and don't behave like many other more familiar perennials. So be patient and accept their quirky nature.

Garden care:

  1. Fertilize Asclepias just once in fall with Yum Yum Mix and Planters II. - Naturalized plantings don't need additional fertilization.
  2. To encourage re-seeding and provide winter interest with their ornamental seed pods, leave the stems intact over the winter. In mid-spring, remove old stems just above ground level.
  3. All species of Asclepias are late to emerge in the spring, so don't be concerned if other perennials come up first and they remain dormant.
View more Planting Guides, or download our complete Planting Guide for tips on caring for your plants when you receive your order, as well as planting instructions for Perennials, Spring-Planted Bulbs, Fall-Planted Bulbs, Cacti & Succulents, Xeric Plants and more.
Shipping
ZoneShipping Status
Zone 2Shipping begins the week of August 30th, 2021
Zone 3Shipping begins the week of August 30th, 2021
Zone 4Shipping begins the week of August 30th, 2021
Zone 5Shipping begins the week of September 6th, 2021
Zone 6Shipping begins the week of September 13th, 2021
Zone 7Shipping begins the week of September 20th, 2021
Zone 8Shipping begins the week of September 27th, 2021
Zone 9Shipping begins the week of October 4th, 2021
Zone 10Shipping begins the week of October 11th, 2021

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and spring-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and spring-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your hardiness zone. Perennial and spring-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service toll-free at (800) 925-9387 or contact us by email.

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