Product Review

Asclepias speciosa (Showy Milkweed) * Full sun to Part shade * Zones 3-11* 2-4ft tall * 2ft wide Showy Milkweed is a primary food source for the Monarch Butterfly. Once a critical source of food for the monarch in the American West, it was almost eradicated to make room for more livestock grazing. The flowers of the Showy Milkweed are pink in color. They resemble the Common Milkweed and will grow to a mature height of about 24 to 40 inches tall. Undeniably gorgeous in leaf & bloom, everyone who can should grow our native perennial "Showy Milkweeds" as they are a host for western Monarch butterflies. What's more, we love its unique silvery, downy-soft foliage, outstanding in the garden all on its own. Thrives in poor, dry, well-drained soil as well as regular garden soil. FRAGRANT flower clusters are 4-5" across made of velvety pink white star-flowers. Blooms late Spring to late Summer, then goes deciduous. But don't worry, it will return next Spring with more stems. Grow it next to your driveway, parking strip, somewhere your hose wont reach, on a hillside especially in a xeric or native garden. Does well in a large pot, too, 5 gal. up. To 2-4' high 2- 3' wide. Now this is important: Asclepias speciosa looks terrible in a 3" pot ships dormant until June.But don't dismay - just plant it - water it a bit the first year and don't fret if it disappears - it's just going temporarily dormant. Once established, you'll be delighted with the fruits of your patience & so will our Monarchs, who can smell a milkweed a mile off. Look for their incredible chrysalises, glossy turquoise and emerald ringed with unbelievable glimmering gold beads. Categorized as a perennial flowering plant, the Showy Milkweed will return yearly from deeply established roots