Bring vibrant color and vital pollinator support to your garden with Asclepias Gay Butterfly Milkweed. This native wildflower grows 18 to 24 inches tall and blooms from summer into fall, featuring bright clusters of orange, red, and yellow flowers. The nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, while monarch caterpillars rely on the narrow, lance-shaped leaves as a food source. After the flowers fade, the decorative seedpods are perfect for autumn decorations or dried floral arrangements.
Gay Butterfly, an Asclepias tuberosa, also called butterfly weed or milkweed, is a hardy perennial suitable for Zones 4-9. Ideal for butterfly gardens, native plantings, or rock gardens, these versatile plants are also perfect for containers or naturalized meadows. Their compact growth and vibrant colors make them a standout addition to any landscape.
Adaptable and easy to grow, Gay Butterfly milkweed thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil and tolerates poor, dry conditions. Drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and rabbits, this low-maintenance plant self-seeds freely if allowed, creating stunning natural drifts and providing erosion control. Select your planting location carefully, as milkweed does not transplant well once established.
Plant Gay Butterfly milkweed roots in spring, spacing them 12 inches apart and planting 1½ to 2 inches deep.
Native to the prairies and grasslands of North America, milkweed or butterfly weed is an environmentally friendly choice for gardeners. These plants are naturally adapted to their environment, thriving without fertilizers or excessive watering. By planting natives, you'll support biodiversity, reduce pests naturally, and create a habitat for pollinators and wildlife, bringing life to your garden.
Sap may cause skin irritation.
