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Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Plants form an upright clump of narrow green leaves, bearing showy clusters of orange or gold flowers in mid to late summer.
Perennial of the Year 2017
Characteristics:
Blooms mid to late summer
24-36 In
4-9 Find your zone
Full Sun
Features and Usage:
Greenhouse Growing Instructions:
Grow on at 68°F. Asclepias require long days of 14-16 hour photoperiods to flower and thrive, any less will send them into dormancy and cause buds to abort. Manage moisture to the drier side allowing plants to dry out between watering. Plants generally finish in 8-10 weeks based on growing conditions.
Plants Per Gallon: 1
Storage Temperature Prior to Planting: 45-60
Cooler Humidity Prior to Planting: High
Transplanting Instructions:
Plant in well draining soil keeping crown of plant at the same level it was in the plug. Avoid planting too deeply. Once potted; water slightly and apply a broad spectrum fungicide to avoid crown and root rot.
Homeowner Planting and Maintenance Tips:
A native North American wildflower, this is the primary source of food for both the adult and juvenile Monarch Butterflies, and it is often included in butterfly gardens. The seed pods that follow are used in dried arrangements, and should be picked and dried while still green. Very late to come up in the spring, so mark the spot by planting daffodils or other companion bulbs. Needs well-drained sandy soil. CAUTION: Harmful if eaten.
