milkweed - showy

Showy Milkweed is vital in Monarch butterfly conservation.  This milkweed plant is the chosen plant of the monarch caterpillars to lay their eggs.  After hatching, baby monarch caterpillars feed on showy milkweed. It is the primary food source for these critters.  The pink flowers of the showy milkweed are nectar rich. It attracts many butterfly species as well as hummingbirds, bees and other pollinating insects. Packet includes 20 seeds.

This species spreads by self-seeding as well via roots. Control growth through regular pruning.  To avoid self-sowing, cut the seed pods off before they mature.

Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa

Sun
• Full sun

Height
• 36"| 90 cm

Spread
• 12-24" | 30 - 60 cm

Life Cycle
• Perennial

Sowing Method
• Indoor or outdoor

Difficulty
• Easy

Uses
• Butterfly garden, monarch butterfly garden, attracts butterflies & hummingbirds, deer resistant

Growing Zones
• 3-10