Red Milkweed
Red Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is an exceptional plant for pollinators, attracting Hawk moths, Swallowtail butterflies, Fritillaries, Monarchs, skippers, bumble bees and numerous other nectar seekers - even an occasional hummingbird …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Moist, Wet |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun |
| Height | 3' - 5' |
| Bloom Color | Pink, Red |
| Bloom Time | June, July |
| Spacing | 1' - 18" |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Root Type | Fibrous |
| Benefits | Birds, Butterflies, Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant |
| Seeds per Oz | 4500 |
| Propagation Treatment | Moist Stratification |
| Days to Moist Stratify | 10 days |
| Direct Sowing Time | Spring, Early Summer, Fall |
Red Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is an exceptional plant for pollinators, attracting Hawk moths, Swallowtail butterflies, Fritillaries, Monarchs, skippers, bumble bees and numerous other nectar seekers - even an occasional hummingbird. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on plants in the Asclepias genus, otherwise known as milkweeds. You're sure to see Monarch butterflies when you include milkweed plants in the garden.
Easily grown in moist to wet soils in full sun, this milkweed will thrive in average garden soil, as well. The 3-5 foot plant forms a stately clump with upright stems, long narrow leaves and clusters of fragrant pink flowers - followed by attractive seed pods for late season interest. The pods split open when ripe releasing their silky-haired seeds to the wind.
A beautiful addition to a sunny border garden, water feature, or butterfly garden, Red Milkweed is also excellent for naturalizing low, moist areas in the landscape such as ponds or drainage areas.
Other common names include Swamp Milkweed.
