In addition to displaying its flowers over a long period, Asclepias has seeds that show off by puffing up like cotton and floating through the air on cool autumn days. What multiseason interest! Butterfly larvae sometimes feed on the leaves, returning as butterflies to enjoy the flower nectar. Asclepias emerges late in the spring (remember where you plant them and take care not to damage them before they sprout). It prefers a well drained soil and is tolerant of drought.
Asclepias incarnata
4' tall
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Container Gardening: 4" pot
Dusty pink flowers in July.
Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet'
40" tall
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Container Gardening: 4" pot
Pure white flowers in midsummer.
Asclepias tuberosa
24" tall
Zones 4-9
Full Sun
Container Gardening: 3" pot
Bright orange flowers.
Asclepias verticillata
12-24" tall
Zones 5-9
Full Sun
Container Gardening: Large 5" pot
Sweet-scented white flowers in midsummer atop stems densely covered with long, needlelike leaves.
