
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Sullivant’s Milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii), also known as Prairie Milkweed, is a show-stopping native perennial with clusters of soft pink flowers perched atop sturdy, unbranched stems. Reaching heights of 3 to 4 feet, this milkweed features smooth, succulent-like leaves with reddish midveins, creating a striking contrast against its rosy blooms. Blooming from early summer through August, it’s a magnet for monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial pollinators. Its refined appearance and less aggressive nature make it an excellent alternative to common milkweed for gardeners seeking structure and elegance.
Native to the central United States, Sullivant’s Milkweed thrives in sunny prairies, meadows, and rain gardens. This species tolerates clay and loamy soils with moderate moisture, making it ideal for low-lying areas or borders with consistent watering. Its fragrant blooms add an inviting scent to naturalized plantings and pollinator habitats. As a larval host for monarch and queen butterflies, as well as a nectar source for hummingbirds and bees, Sullivant’s Milkweed supports biodiversity while remaining resistant to deer browsing.
Sullivant’s Milkweed Care
Plant Sullivant’s Milkweed in full sun to promote flowering and strong growth. It prefers medium-moisture, well-drained soil but can tolerate wetter conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens or streamside plantings. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish its deep taproot, which provides drought resilience in subsequent years. Fertilization is generally unnecessary, though adding compost at planting can enrich the soil and promote early vigor.
To encourage fresh growth and prevent self-seeding, deadhead spent blooms throughout the summer. In late fall or early spring, trim stems back to just above the soil line to support healthy regrowth. Avoid disturbing the plant’s deep rhizomes during pruning or transplanting, as they help anchor the plant in moist soils and contribute to its longevity.
Sullivant’s Milkweed Spacing
Space plants around 24 inches apart to allow for their spreading habit via rhizomes. In mass plantings or prairie gardens, closer spacing creates a dense, cohesive look, while wider spacing highlights the plant’s upright, architectural form. For container growth, choose a pot at least 14 inches wide and deep to accommodate its robust root system.
Image(s) Courtesy of - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gmayfield10/3241297771/
Sullivants Milkweed Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Spacing: 1 - 1.5 Feet |
Habit: Clumping, Upright |
Flower Color(s): Pink, Purple, White |
Flower Description: Pinkish-White To Pinkish-Purple, Star-Like Flowers |
Bloom Period: Early Summer |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Medium to dark green with pinkish-red midribs |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average, Consistent |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders |
Features: Foliage Interest, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Proven Selections |
Common Name: Sullivants Milkweed |
Other Name(s): smooth milkweed, Sullivant's milkweed or prairie milkweed |
Scientific Name: Asclepias sullivantii |
- SKU:
- SULMLK-GC
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, 2025 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.

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 ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
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 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!