2017 Perennial Plant Association's Plant of the Year. A punch of intense tangerine orange invites droves of butterflies. A butterfly host plant for Monarchs in particular; butterflies also cherish its lavish flower clusters filled with scrumptious nectar. Green seed pods open to glistening silky parachutes that float with the breeze to a new location.  Butterfly Weed emerges late in the spring. Requires little care once established. Tough as nails, this beauty is Native to eastern North America.  Sold in single container.
 
Asclepias are best in sunny locations with sandy soils. Milkweed is a nectar source for Monarch butterflies and also a host plant for them to lay their eggs. Plant in groups to attract more butterflies.
 
Low maintenance. Self-sows readily. Can be slow to establish but is long-lived once it takes hold. Late to emerge in the spring. Divide and cut back in spring when new growth starts, being careful of long taproot. Long taproot makes division difficult. Be aware that Asclepias is slow to recover once moved or divided. Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom and prevent self sowing. Allow some spent flowers from 2nd bloom to remain on plant to form ornamental fruit for late season interest.
 
Type:  Perennials
Height:  Medium 18-24"
Spacing:  Plant 24" apart
Bloom Time:  Early Summer to Late Summer
Sun-Shade:  Full Sun
Zones:  3-9
Soil Condition:  Normal, Sandy, Clay, Acidic
Flower:  Orange
Accent:  Yellow