Showy Milkweed
Showy Milkweed is similar in form to Common Milkweed but less aggressive, which makes it a more manageable plant in the garden. About 3 feet high, it features large oval leaves, and spikey pink flower clusters atop thick stems …
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
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Soil Moisture | Dry, Medium |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
Height | 2' - 4' |
Bloom Color | Lavender, Pink |
Bloom Time | June, July, Aug |
Spacing | 18" |
Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
Root Type | Rhizome |
Benefits | Butterflies, Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is similar in form to Common Milkweed but less aggressive, which makes it a more manageable plant in the garden. About 3 feet high, it features large oval leaves, and spikey pink flower clusters atop thick stems. The very fragrant blooms give way to prominent 2 - 3 inch long seed pods and the leaves turn bright Gold in the fall. Native to the western U.S. and upper Midwest, this milkweed tolerates a variety of soil types and conditions, and is very drought tolerant.
Showy Milkweed is a host plant for the Monarch butterfly, Queen butterfly, and the Milkweed Tussock Moth. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs only on plants in the Asclepias genus, otherwise known as milkweeds. You're sure to see Monarchs when you plant milkweed.