Butterfly Bush
Butterfly Bush
-
Asclepias tuberosa. Butterfly Bush Milkweed seeds, sometimes called Orange Milkweed, is a hearty perennial intensely attractive to butterflies and other beneficial garden insects. It is highly drought resistant, so useful for xeriscaping. Unlike other members of the Milkweed family, Butterfly Weed does not issue a milky sap when broken. Waxy green stems to 70cm (27") tall are topped by vivid orange flower clusters. Grown in small clusters, this plant attracts butterflies like no other, even in urban gardens. Flowers are followed by exotic looking fruits that release easy-to-harvest seeds. All milkweeds are useful, nectar rich food plants for butterflies, including the Monarch butterfly.
This is not the milkweed species that is used as a food plant by the Monarch caterpillar. That plant is A. incarnata, or Swamp Milkweed. Download our Butterfly Milk Fact Sheet.
NOTE: All parts of the plant are harmful if swallowed. Asclepias leaves can be toxic to chickens, so plant out of range of foraging flocks.
Perennial
- Perennial
- Vivid orange flower clusters
- Waxy green stems to 70cm (27") tall
- Attracts butterflies
- Non-invasive species
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Latin
Ascelpias sp.
Family: Apocynaceae
Difficulty
Easy
Season & Zone
Exposure: Full sun
Zone: Hardy to Zone 3
Timing
Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date and transplant or direct sow towards late spring. Optimal soil temperature for germination: 10-25°C (50-75°F). Seeds should sprout in 7-35 days. Asclepias may benefit from stratification: Seeded trays are wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for two to three weeks before being placed over bottom heat. This may result in more even and speedier germination.
We have had success direct sowing A. tuberosa in March, with blooms the first year. In our experience, A. speciosa returns with vigour in the second year and begins blooming by June here on the west coast.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Caption
Row
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
Caption
Row
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
Caption
Row
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.