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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.
If you have limited space, no garden at all or just prefer container gardening, this kit is made for you! Container gardening makes it easy to care for your plants. As long as you have space on your porch, deck, patio or balcony for a medium-sized container, you can garden. Our decorative rattan planter (sized 12 x 12 x 16") comes with a hard-shell inner plastic growing pot, bag of medium, planting stock, gardening gloves and growing directions.
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 20-24"" tall
Spacing/Depth:
Plant 12-18" apart, 2-3" deep
USDA Zones:
Grow as Perennial in zones 4-9. Grow as Annual elsewhere.
Growing Instructions
First, decide where the planted will be located and if you want the pot needs drainage. Proper drainage is key if you are placing the planter outside. If placing outside, remove the drainage plug(s) from the bottom. Empty about 85% of the medium bag into the pot. Firm and smooth the planting medium. Next, place the plants onto the soil, center within the space, spread out roots then add remaining medium on top. Water well, saturating the soil deeply. Continue to saturate soil for first few days then water as need. Sit back and let mother nature do her thing!
Care Tip
Plants in containers are above soil level and exposed to the elements which make them more prone to freeze damage during the winter than plants planted in the garden. Take extra precautions and overwinter the planter in a protected area (shed or garage) during freezing temperatures (best to provide a winter environment that is one zone hardier than your area). To overwinter: Water plants thoroughly and move borderline-hardy plants into a protected area to increase chance of survival. Because the plant is dormant, light isn't required. Check every few weeks to ensure the planting medium isn't dry. Water sparingly. Overwatering can cause the plants to come out of dormancy. Place planter back outside to restart its cycle when spring and warmer temperatures return!