- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Fet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Fet
- Growing Zones 9 - 11
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Brighten up your landscape with the Red Tropical Milkweed. Bold red and orange flowers grow in clusters and bloom during the summer. The light green foliage is narrow and comes to a gentle point. This upright thriller grows to be 3 feet tall and wide and is also known as Asclepias curassavica or Mexican Butterfly Weed. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators, most notably butterflies.
As a large, mounding plant, the Red Tropical Milkweed makes a stunning addition to a border or mass planting. The bright flowers can be cut to use in arrangements or to dry for long-term use. Milkweed is native to the warmer regions of North America, and it is very low maintenance once it has settled in. This deer-resistant plant is grown as an annual in most areas.
Red Tropical Milkweed Care
Plant in full sun, but Milkweed can handle partial sunlight. Rich soil will promote more growth, but this plant can also live in low-quality soil. Milkweed is not a heavy feeder but amend poor quality soil with organic compost during planting. Soil should be well-draining because this plant does not like to be soggy. Monitor the soil and water if the top several inches are dry.
This variety is very popular with butterflies and can disrupt migratory patterns, so it is best to cut back the growth after the flowers fade. The plant can be brought indoors and grown as a houseplant for the winter. Red Tropical Milkweed grown as a houseplant needs bright indirect light and has moderate water needs.
Red Tropical Milkweed Spacing
This annual will grow 24 to 36 inches tall and be just as wide. Space the root ball at least 3 feet from a building or tree. Create a lush landscape by spacing multiple plants 24 to 36 inches apart, measuring from the center of the root ball.
Red Tropical Milkweed Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 11 |
Plant Type: Annuals |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Fet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Red |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: N/A |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: Proven Winners |
Common Name: Red Tropical Milkweed |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica |
- SKU:
- ASCREQT
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.