No butterfly lover should be without this plant in their garden! Perennial to USDA zone 3, Asclepia tuberosa is a shrub-like plant that is native to the eastern United States and Mexico. The 24 tall plants produce a profusion of vivid red-orange flowers that attract majestic Monarchs and other colorful butterflies. It is also a host plant, providing a place for them to lay their eggs and food for hungry caterpillars, allowing you to observe the full life cycle of the butterfly. It makes a wonderful cut flower and does not have the milky sap typical of other milkweeds. Its decorative green seedpods can be saved for dried arrangements. It prefers full sun, but tolerates light shade and does best in well-drained, sandy soil. Drought-tolerant when established.
When to plant outside: Spring, after all danger of frost has passed and up to 8 weeks before the first fall frost.
When to start inside: 6-8 weeks before average last spring frost.
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