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California Native Plant

Asclepias speciosus

Showy Milkweed

Plant photo of: Asclepias speciosus
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Information by: GardenSoft        Photographer: GardenSoft

 

Description

This beautiful perennial reaches 2'-4' tall and 3' wide. It spreads by underground colonies so it's a good plant for difficult slopes. Thick upright stems have large, hairy, gray leaves. Fragrant pink and white, star shaped clusters of flowers bloom in spring and summer. This plant does well in poor, dry, well draining soil in full sun. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and stems so don't spray plants with chemicals. Is winter dormant.

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

Width Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Pink, White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Grey Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Unparticular

Soil Condition

Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Allergenic, Invasive

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Wetlands, Wild Garden

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Entry, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Erosion Control, Filler, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Move turf away form sidewalks and pavement.

Instead plant shrubs or groundcovers next to the pavement, and water with low-flow drip or bubbler system to eliminate runoff from turf sprinklers