Swamp Milkweed

SKU: FL3878
Swamp Milkweed begins to grow from a thick, fleshy root later in spring than many other plants. Narrow, strap-like leaves emerge, forming a clump of foliage. Then, from mid-spring to late summer, umbels of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers appear that are so generous with nectar that they attract pollinators of all kinds. Read More

Exposure Full-sun

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Swamp Milkweed

Product Details

Asclepias incarnata. Swamp Milkweed begins to grow from a thick, fleshy root later in spring than many other plants. Narrow, strap-like leaves emerge, forming a clump of foliage. Then, from mid-spring to late summer, umbels of fragrant, pink to mauve flowers appear that are so generous with nectar that they attract pollinators of all kinds. This plant is particularly attractive to butterflies, including the endangered Monarch, which prefers this species on which to lay her eggs. Monarch caterpillars feed on the leaves of this milkweed despite the milky latex they contain, which is mildly toxic to most other animals. The roots of this plant have evolved to thrive in low oxygen environments, including the wet soil found around lakes and streams. The plants can reach 2m (6') in height, and will grow in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy to Zone 3.

Perennial.

Quick Facts:

    • Food plant for the Monarch butterfly
    • Attracts and feeds other pollinators
    • Full sun to partial shade
    • Hardy to Zone 3

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Swamp Milkweed

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All About Swamp Milkweed

Latin

Latin
Ascelpias sp.
Family: Apocynaceae

Difficulty

Difficulty
Easy

Season & Zone

Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 3

Timing

Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant or direct sow towards late spring. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days. Asclepias may benefit from stratification: Seeded trays are wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for two to three weeks before being placed over bottom heat. This may result in more even and speedier germination.

We have had success direct sowing A. tuberosa in March, with blooms the first year. In our experience, A. speciosa returns with vigour in the second year and begins blooming by June here on the west coast.

Starting

Starting
Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm (12-24″) apart.

Growing

Growing
For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

Download our Asclepias tuberosa Factsheet.

How to Grow Asclepias

Step 1

Timing

Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant or direct sow towards late spring. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days. Asclepias may benefit from stratification: Seeded trays are wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for two to three weeks before being placed over bottom heat. This may result in more even and speedier germination.

Tip: We have had success direct sowing A. tuberosa in March, with blooms the first year. In our experience, A. speciosa returns with vigour in the second year and begins blooming by June here on the west coast.

Step 2

Starting

Barely cover the small seeds using sterilized seed starting mix. Space transplants 30-60cm (12-24″) apart.

Step 3

Growing

For many years several Asclepias species were listed as invasive weeds because of their sometimes aggressive spreading by underground rhizomes and their giant, dandelion-like seeds. The seeds emerge from very conspicuous pods which are easily removed before they dry and crack. As the population of wild Asclepias diminished, so did the populations of many butterflies that depend on them as food and nursery plants (including the endangered Monarch). Now that they have been de-listed, we encourage home gardeners to grow them with the advance knowledge that they can spread. Try growing them in a large container like a half barrel, and be conscious of the seed pods as they develop. In short, please be responsible with Asclepias species.

Note: All parts of the plant are harmful if eaten. Flowers are not edible.

Customer Reviews & Questions