- 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.
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
#5 Pot
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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Arrival Guarantee
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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.