- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 9
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Showy Milkweed is a very low-maintenance perennial that adds serious height to your landscape. Also known as Asclepias speciosa or butterfly weed, this beauty features spherical clusters of tiny star-shaped flowers. The fragrant, rose-color blooms attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, and this plant is a particular favorite with butterflies. The flowers bloom during mid to late summer, but even after the flowers fade away, this plant is still a looker thanks to the blue-green foliage.
This upright thriller is a native of North America, so it requires very little care once it is settled in. Use this plant in borders or mass plantings, and the blooms make beautiful cut flowers that can also be dried. Showy Milkweed is deer-resistant, so it's an excellent option for areas with large deer populations. This plant grows as a perennial in USDA growing zones 3 through 9.
Showy Milkweed Care
Plant Showy Milkweed in part to full sun. Ideally, the plant needs at least 4 hours of sunlight to thrive, although it can handle increased light levels. The soil should be rich and have a pH of 5.0 to 7.0. This plant has medium water needs and prefers somewhat damp conditions, so the soil should retain some moisture. Apply mulch around the base of the plant to maintain moisture in the ground and protect the roots during the winter in Northern areas.
Asclepias speciosa is not a heavy feeder and does not need to be fertilized, although top dress the soil with organic compost or manure in the spring to give the plant a nutritional boost. Cut the plant back in late winter to early spring. Leave about 6 inches of growth, and make sure to leave the basal leaves.
Showy Milkweed Spacing
This striking plant grows to be 24 to 48 inches tall and wide. Plants can be spaced right up against one another, so plant 24 to 48 inches center to center. Leave at least 5 feet if growing near a building.
Showy Milkweed Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 9 |
| Plant Type: Perennials |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 2 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 2 - 4 Feet |
| Spacing: 2 - 4 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Pink |
| Flower Description: Rose Pink |
| Bloom Period: Mid Summer, Late Summer |
| Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: Blue-Green |
| 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: Showy Milkweed |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: Asclepias speciosa |
- SKU:
- ASCSP
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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
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
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 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
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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