Butterfly milkweed is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant orange flowers and its role in supporting pollinators, especially butterflies. Butterfly milkweed produces clusters of bright, orange, or sometimes yellowish flowers atop sturdy stems. Each flower consists of five petals arranged in a crown-like fashion and has a unique, intricate structure. The blooms are visually captivating and attractive to both humans and pollinators.
Product Information
- Botanic Name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Application or Use: Ornamental, Conservation, Habitat
- Germination Time: 14 - 21 days, under optimal conditions
- Growing Locations: Warm Season, Transition Zone, Cool Season
- Height: 2 - 3 feet
- Sunlight Requirements: 8+ hours, full sun for best results
- Advantages: Adapted to many soil types; showy blooms, excellent for landscaping; attracts pollinators.
- When to Plant: See instructions tab.
Product Information
Butterfly milkweed is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant orange flowers and its role in supporting pollinators, especially butterflies. Butterfly milkweed produces clusters of bright, orange, or sometimes yellowish flowers atop sturdy stems. Each flower consists of five petals arranged in a crown-like fashion and has a unique, intricate structure. The blooms are visually captivating and attractive to both humans and pollinators.
The plant typically grows to a height of about 1 to 2 feet, occasionally reaching up to 3 feet. It has a bushy growth habit with upright stems.
Butterfly milkweed blooms from late spring through summer, offering a prolonged display of its colorful flowers. The flowers are long-lasting and provide a continuous source of nectar for visiting pollinators.
The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged spirally along the stems. The foliage is a rich green color and serves as an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers.
This species thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun. It's known for its tolerance to dry conditions and is often found in prairies, meadows, and roadside plantings.
As the name suggests, butterfly milkweed is a favorite nectar source for butterflies, particularly Monarchs. Additionally, it serves as a host plant for their larvae, providing a crucial habitat for butterfly reproduction.
Butterfly milkweed is popular in butterfly gardens, native plant landscapes, and wildflower gardens. Its striking appearance, coupled with its role in supporting pollinators, makes it a sought-after plant for eco-friendly and wildlife-supportive gardening.
Due to its importance in supporting Monarch butterflies, efforts to grow butterfly milkweed and other milkweed species have been encouraged to help conserve declining butterfly populations.
Butterfly milkweed is prized for its vibrant flowers, its significance in supporting butterfly populations, and its ornamental value in gardens dedicated to supporting local wildlife.
*Product packaging may appear different than what is pictured.
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region:
Southeast
- Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and harden off before frost.
- Spring: A good time to plant wildflowers, especially annual species that flower quickly. Plant after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed to around 55°F, typically occurring within a month or so after the final frost of winter; this ensures the seeds can germinate properly without being affected by cold weather.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Southwest
- Fall: A good time to plant spring wildflowers in the desert Southwest. Fall's cooler temperatures and seasonal rains help seeds germinate. In the mountains, you can plant after spring frosts.
- Winter: In areas that get snow, winter seeding can give seeds an advantage in the spring.
- Spring: A popular time to plant wildflowers in most states. You can plant after the last frost and when the soil temperature is at least 55°F. In warmer climates, you can plant at the end of the rainy season.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Northeast
- Fall, Winter: The best time to plant wildflowers in the Northeast is in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow. This is known as dormant seeding and can take place from November to December. Cold temperatures and damp soil during the winter help wildflower seeds germinate.
- Spring: Plant in early spring, after the ground has thawed and soil temperatures reach around 55-65°F. This is a popular time to plant wildflowers because it's typically rainier, which helps water seedlings.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Midwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Western
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Pacific Northwest
- Fall, Winter: Plant in late fall (November–December) after the first frost. The seeds will overwinter and germinate in the spring. Fall planting is a good option for cooler climates and can give the seeds an early start in the spring.
- Spring: Plant in early spring (April–May) after the last frost when the soil temperature is consistently above 55°F. Spring is a popular time to plant because the soil is usually moist from rain, and you can see the wildflowers grow right away.
- Summer: In cooler zones with higher elevation, you can plant wildflowers in late spring to early summer, after the risk of frost has passed. You can plant wildflower seeds in the summer, but the hot sun can dry out the soil and stress your seedlings. Summer is a good time to plant quick-growing annual wildflowers.
Butterfly Milkweed Wildflower Seed
Butterfly milkweed is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant orange flowers and its role in supporting pollinators, especially butterflies. Butterfly milkweed produces clusters of bright, orange, or sometimes yellowish flowers atop sturdy stems. Each flower consists of five petals arranged in a crown-like fashion and has a unique, intricate structure. The blooms are visually captivating and attractive to both humans and pollinators.
Instructions
For more info on planting instructions and tips for the best results – check out our Warranty & Planting Information here!
Wildflower Planting Time Based on Region: Southeast Fall, Winter: Sowing wildflowers in Fall/Winter is the ideal time in the Southeast, with October 1 – December 31 being the best dates. The weather is ideal for starting seeds, and seedlings can grow and...
Butterfly Milkweed Wildflower Seed
Butterfly milkweed is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant orange flowers and its role in supporting pollinators, especially butterflies. Butterfly milkweed produces clusters of bright, orange, or sometimes yellowish flowers atop sturdy stems. Each flower consists of five petals arranged in a crown-like fashion and has a unique, intricate structure. The blooms are visually captivating and attractive to both humans and pollinators.
