Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Plant)

Asclepias tuberosa adds whimsical color to the garden. Its flat-topped clusters of upright orange flowers appear throughout the summer, attracting monarch butterflies. In addition, Asclepias tuberosa is a nectar source and a host plant where butterflies lay their eggs. This 2017 Perennial Plant of the Year is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and a beautiful addition to sunny borders and naturalized areas. This bold perennial is easy to grow in most climates and is drought-tolerant. Asclepias requires full sun and prefers sandy to loamy soil.

Drought tolerant
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
Deer resistant

Close-up of the blooms of a Butterfly Milkweed plant. Background is greens in soft focus

Soft-focus image of the Butterfly Milkweed plant in bloom

Close-up of the blooms of a Butterfly Milkweed plant

Plant Details +

Botanical	Asclepias tuberosa L.
Common Name	Butterfly Weed
Family	Apocynaceae
Height	24-36"
Spacing	12-24"
Hardiness	4-9
Exposure	Full Sun, 6+ hrs/day
Foliage	Gray-green
Flower	Orange/yellow
Bloomtime	Early to late summer

Planting/Care Instructions +

Planting Instructions: Prefers well-drained sandy soil. Drought tolerant. May be planted in any well-drained soil. Dig a hole large enough to encompass the roots without bending or circling. Set the plant in place so the crown (part of the plant where the root meets the stem) is about 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Cover with soil to the original soil surface and water thoroughly. Do not apply fertilizer.

Pests or Diseases: Resistant to deer. No serious insect or disease problems. Asclepias are known to get aphids which you can leave for ladybugs to eat or spray the insects and foliage with soapy water.