- 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:
- 1231003319-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 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.
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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