Asclepias speciosa

Showy Milkweed

Plant is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Drought tolerant and does well in poor, dry, or gravelly soils. Easily grown from seed, and may self-seed in the landscape if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Great for borders, butterfly gardens, prairies, meadows, or naturalized native plant areas.

Additional Information:
The genus name Asclepias is for Askelpios, a physician in ancient Greece who professed that he could bring the dead back to life (some myths call him the God of Medicine). The Olympic god Hades, fearing loss of employment, had his brother Zeus zap Askelpios with a thunderbolt after Askelpios brought the great hunter Orion back from the dead.

Height 24-48 Inches

Spread 24-48 Inches

USDA Hardiness Zone 3-9

Home Owner Growing and Maintenance Tips:
Once established, it is best to leave plants undisturbed because they develop deep taproots which makes transplanting difficult.

Characteristics & Attributes