Asclepias speciosus
Showy Milkweed
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