- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 8 - 11
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
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)
Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 3 Feet |
Habit: Clumping, Upright |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: Golden Yellow |
Bloom Period: Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green, Yellow |
Foliage Description: yellow-green foliage |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Rabbit |
Tolerates: Heat |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Edging, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Proven Selections |
Common Name: Silky Gold Tropical Milkweed |
Other Name(s): Bloodflower, Mexican Butterfly Weed, Scarlet Milkweed, Wild Ipecacuanha |
Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' |
- 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.

3.5" Pot
Also Known As:
3.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
~1.42 quarts

4.25" Pot
Also Known As:
4.25" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.93"H x 4.25"W
Volume:
~1.56 pints

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

#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

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Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
30 Days
For annuals, houseplants & vegetables, we provide a 30-day warranty to ensure that your plants thrive.

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.