Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold') brings a touch of sunshine to any garden with its golden-yellow flower clusters and bright green lance-shaped leaves. Blooming continuously from late spring through early fall, this herbaceous perennial grows 3 to 4 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide, creating a bold vertical statement. Beloved by monarch butterflies and other pollinators, this cultivar offers both ornamental beauty and ecological importance as a host plant for monarch caterpillars.
Native to South America, Silky Gold thrives in full sun and adapts well to poor, well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and resistant to deer and rabbits. This fast-growing plant is perfect for naturalized meadows, wildlife gardens, and sunny borders. Its long, upright stems make it an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. While this species is perennial in zones 8 to 11, it is often grown as an annual in cooler regions. When grown in containers, it adds bold color to patios and can be overwintered indoors in colder climates.
Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed Care
Plant Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed in full sun for the best blooms, though it tolerates light shade. It prefers sandy to loamy, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Afterward, water only when the top inch of soil is dry. Fertilization is optional, as this milkweed performs well in nutrient-poor soil, but an occasional application of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can enhance flowering. Mulch lightly around the base to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Deadhead flowers throughout the summer to extend the blooming period. In fall, cut the plant back to 6–8 inches after all caterpillars have left to prevent overwintering diseases that could impact monarch migration. For container-grown plants, trim back stems and bring the pot indoors before the first frost in colder zones. Gloves are recommended when pruning due to the milky sap, which can irritate skin.
Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed Spacing
Space plants 24 - 36 inches apart in garden beds for an airy, natural look that supports healthy airflow and growth. In mass plantings or pollinator habitats, closer spacing of 18 inches can create a denser display. For container plantings, choose a pot at least 12 to 16 inches wide to accommodate the plant's upright growth and root system.
Photo(s) by 2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)
- SKU:
- SGTMSILKY-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.
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