- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 1.5 - 2 Feet
- Growing Zones 9 - 11
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterflies') stands out with clusters of scarlet-red flowers accented by bright yellow centers that bloom from early summer through fall. This upright perennial grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, adding striking color to borders, butterfly gardens, and containers. Its long-lasting blooms attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any wildlife-friendly landscape. Unlike native milkweeds, this variety blooms continuously and can even be used as a stunning cut flower for arrangements.
Native to South America, Red Butterflies Milkweed is known for its adaptability and resilience in full sun and poor, well-drained soils. It tolerates periods of drought once established and resists damage from deer and rabbits. In colder climates, it is grown as an annual, self-seeding readily for seasonal returns. Its slender green foliage, occasionally tinged with maroon, forms an elegant contrast to the bright blooms, making it perfect for mixed plantings or as a backdrop in naturalized areas. It also thrives in large containers for portable splashes of color.
Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed Care
Plant Red Butterflies Milkweed in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily for optimal blooming. It performs best in slightly sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. Keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season to establish a deep root system, but reduce watering once the plant matures. While this plant thrives in nutrient-poor soil, a light application of compost in early spring can enhance its vigor. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, as this milkweed is well-adapted to lean conditions.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering throughout the season. In fall, after monarch caterpillars have finished feeding, prune the plant back to 6–8 inches above the ground to prevent the spread of harmful spores and prepare the plant for overwintering. If grown in containers, consider trimming and moving the plant indoors to a sunny window before the first frost to extend its growing season.
Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed Spacing
Space plants 24 inches apart in garden beds to create a full, airy appearance without overcrowding. For mass plantings or wildlife habitats, tighter spacing can encourage a dense display. When planting in containers, use a pot at least 12 inches wide to accommodate its expanding root system and upright growth.
Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 11 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 1.5 - 2 Feet |
Spacing: 1 - 2 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red, Yellow |
Flower Description: Red With Yellow Centers |
Bloom Period: Spring to Fall |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Green |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Containers, Erosion Control |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Proven Selections |
Common Name: Red Butterflies Tropical Milkweed |
Other Name(s): Bloodflower, Scarlet Milkweed |
Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica |
- SKU:
- RBTMREDBU-GC
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.

3.5" Pot
Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts

4.25" Pot
Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
~1.50 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
~2.26-3.73 quarts

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Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
30 Days
For annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.