Butterfly Weed 'Asclepias tuberosa' Butterfly Milkweed

Butterfly Milkweed | Asclepias tuberosa | Butterfly Weed | Orange Milkweed

Also known as Butterfly Milkweed, Butterfly Weed is a stunning, sun-loving native herbaceous perennial prized for its spectacular, continuous profusion of flat-topped clusters of brilliant, fiery orange flowers that bloom from early to late summer. This exceptionally tough, heat-tolerant selection is known for its remarkable ecological value—serving as an essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars—and its sturdy, upright habit. Its intensely nectar-rich blossoms are an absolute magnet for all types of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it a spectacular, low-maintenance thriller for sunny landscape borders, native pollinator gardens, and naturalized meadow plantings. With its bold, vibrant color and reliable performance through challenging, dry conditions, Butterfly Milkweed offers an extraordinary display of bright summer blooms and critical ecosystem support with exceptionally straightforward care.

Growing Butterfly Weed

Light: Full sun; thrives in bright, direct sunlight (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) to produce the most abundant blooms, the strongest stems, and maintain a tight, sturdy form. Too much shade will cause the stems to become leggy and reduce flowering.

Soil: Light, sandy, or gravelly, well-drained soil; highly adaptable to poor, rocky soils as long as drainage is excellent. It features a deep taproot and is extremely susceptible to root rot in heavy, waterlogged clay, especially during the cold, wet winter months.

Water: Low; water regularly until established, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant once mature and strongly dislikes consistently wet feet.

Maintenance: Exceptionally low maintenance. It is notoriously late to emerge in the spring, so mark its location carefully to avoid accidentally digging it up. Because of its long taproot, it strongly resents being transplanted once established. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage a potential second flush of blooms, or leave the striking, elongated seed pods in place for fall visual interest and to allow it to naturalize.

Wildlife: Highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds; serves as a vital host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. Naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant.

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3–9; exceptionally cold-hardy and reliable across a wide range of climates provided it has excellent winter drainage.

Shipping Info

Butterfly Weed plants are shipped as healthy young starts in 4" nursery pots. Allow 1–2 weeks after arrival for plants to recover from shipping and resume active growth before repotting or planting outdoors.