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Asclepias speciosa

Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed)

Plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant and does well in poor, dry, or gravelly soils. Easily grown from seed, and may self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Great for borders, butterfly gardens, prairies, meadows, or naturalized native plant areas.

Additional Information:
The genus name Asclepias is for Askelpios, a physician in ancient Greece who professed that he could bring the dead back to life (some myths call him the God of Medicine). The Olympic god Hades, fearing loss of employment, had his brother Zeus zap Askelpios with a thunderbolt after Askelpios brought the great hunter Orion back from the dead.

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Height
24-48 Inches

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Spread
24-48 Inches

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USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Once established, it is best to leave plants undisturbed because they develop deep taproots which makes transplanting difficult.

Good Companions
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FAC

Nature Attracting

Butterfly

Season of Interest

Mid (May-June)

Soil Moisture

Average

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
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