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Fall 2023 Shipping Schedule: 3/1/2024
Asclepias is a perennial pollinator magnet for your summer garden. Pollinators are a vital part of life on planet Earth since they pollinate most flowering plants for them to reproduce. Pollinators do this by transferring pollen from bloom to bloom. Pollinators have been in decline in recent years due to habitat loss and disease. Asclepias provides shelter and food for native pollinators to thrive and survive. Monarch butterflies use the Asclepias plant as a source for nectar and for laying eggs. The larvae or caterpillars then use the plant's leaves as a food source. It is surprisingly easy and lots of fun for you and your family to attract them to your garden to provide spectacular entertainment! Please help to sustain the pollinator populations by planting Asclepias and other pollinator magnets.
About this Variety
Asclepias Tuberosa, commonly called butterfly weed, features bright, orange flower clusters atop lance-shaped leaves. Immensely popular native plant. This specific variety is the most drought tolerant of all.
Highlights
- Beneficial to pollinators; attracts butterflies
- Require little to no maintenance once established
- Grows well in containers, garden beds and borders
- Tolerates most soil types
- Add to cut flower bouquets and arrangements
Exposure:
Full sun
Blooms:
Summer to Fall
Height:
Grows 36-60" tall
Spacing:
Plant 12-18" apart, 2-3" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 3-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
Plant asclepias in the spring after all danger of frost has passed in a full sun location in moist but well draining soil. Soil preparation: The ideal soil is porous and drains well and yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments (peat moss or ground bark). Spread a 3-4" layer of soil amendment, add fertilizer and incorporate together into the soil to a depth of 10". To plant: Dig a hole 2-3" deep in a sunny (at least 6 hours of direct sun), well drained location. Place the asclepias in hole with roots pointed down and space 12-18" apart. Cover with soil and water. Mulch in extreme climates.
Care Tip
Tolerant of most soils and growing conditions. Newly planted roots need extra moisture during their first year in the garden to ensure that they form a solid root system.