- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 12 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 9
No butterfly garden is complete without the Common Milkweed or Asclepias syriaca. Tiny, pink flowers bloom in clusters on tall, sturdy stems during the middle of the summer. The fragrant blooms are offset by large, oblong foliage. The leaves are the only food source for monarch caterpillars, while the flower nectar supports the butterflies.
This plant is a vigorous grower and can quickly fill a bed or border. While it is an excellent choice for butterfly gardens, it’s also a wonderful, low-maintenance plant for containers, cottage gardens, and perennial borders. Feature Milkweed near a door or deck to enjoy the fragrant flowers in the summer. The flowers give way to seed pods that can be dried and used in arrangements. The Common Milkweed is a perennial plant in USDA zones 3 through 8 and is deer and rabbit resistant.
Common Milkweed Care
Newly planted Common Milkweed plants need consistent care, while established plants are rather self-sufficient. Plant Milkweed in full to partial sunlight in moist, well-drained soil. Water during a drought or extended dry period. Common Milkweed tolerates low-quality soil and does not need to be fertilized.
Common Milkweed can spread as the seed pods open and the wind distributes the seeds. The plant can easily take over a yard or neighborhood, so some gardeners opt to remove the seed pods before they burst open.
Common Milkweed Spacing
The Common Milkweed has an upright growth habit and will grow 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide. Space plants about 1 foot apart so air can circulate around the foliage.
Common Milkweed Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9 |
Plant Type: Perennial |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 12 Inches |
Spacing: 2 - 12 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Pink, White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: June To August |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Low |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
Common Name: Common Milkweed |
Other Name(s): Common Milkweed |
Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca |
- SKU:
- 1231009510-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.