Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
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 Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 3 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-4 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Pink
- Flower Description
- Rose Pink
- Bloom Time
- Early to Late Summer
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Blue-Green
- Foliage Type
- , Herbaceous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Showy Milkweed
- Botanical Name
- Asclepias speciosa
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Perennial
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!