- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 3 - 4 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
Milkweed is the plant that attracts and supports the most butterfly species. Each variety of Milkweed is specific to species. Swamp Milkweed attracts mainly Monarch and Queen butterflies to lay their eggs and support the caterpillars with their foliage. The showy pink blooms also attract other insect pollinators throughout the summer. The only creature MIlkweed does not attract is deer.
Swamp Milkweed is a common addition to an open meadow planting, but is also lovely in a Cottage Garden or as a backdrop in a mixed perennial border. Asclepias are native to the Baja area of Southern California and Arizona, although they are not the most drought tolerant plants. They originate from along rivers and flood plains, making them a good addition to a Rain Garden plan that could also double as a butterfly habitat.
Swamp Milkweed Care
Swamp Milkweed prefers a rich, well drained soil that will help to support vigorous foliage growth. An open, sunny spot is also preferred. Soil pH and texture can be average. A mulching of organic compost in the fall will help to improve the soil's moisture holding capacity and provide added nutrients that this perennial needs.
Swamp Milkweed only needs a cutting back late in the winter before new growth emerges. Seed heads left to stand through the winter provide food for birds and will help the MIlkweed to self seed and naturalize. Dividing is not usually done. The late cleaning of the old growth also provides for the butterflies to hatch in the spring and move on to new growth to feed and develop into cocoons. Swamp Milkweed is best planted in an area that will be quiet and not have a lot of traffic. Dividing is not usually done with Milkweed. The plant forms a large taproot that does not like to be disturbed and will not survive relocation.
Swamp Milkweed Spacing
Swamp Milkweed has a mature height of 3-4 feet and a width of 10-12 inches. When planting in a large group, space plants at 12 inches on center. This will leave room for self wedding and spreading at a fairly quick rate.
Swamp Milkweed Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
| Plant Type: Perennials |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 12 - 24 Inches |
| Spacing: 12 - 24 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): Pink |
| Flower Description: |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Deciduous |
| Foliage Color(s): Green |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought |
| Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Borders, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Swamp Milkweed |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: ASCLEPIAS INCARNATA |
- SKU:
- 1003319-pc
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 Know 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 Know 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 Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 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 Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know 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 Know 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.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
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
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
