Milkweed Plant - Asclepias incarnata

The Milkweed Plant is a herbaceous perennial plant native to the Eastern United States. It is well known for being the host of the Monarch butterfly, but is also important for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!

Plant Details - Milkweed Plant

Family: Dogbane (Apocynaceae)

Light Requirement: Full

Water Needs: High

Height: +12 ft.

Spread: Slow

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Summer

Flower Color: Pink

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Milkweed Plant

The large, dramatic clusters of star shaped flowers (umbels) at the top of the milkweed plant is fragrant and pastel pink. In the fall, the green ornamental seedpods give way to silky, floating seeds that take to the skies.

From gracing the back of the border in a small space to making a statement over a wide meadow, it truly makes a stunning focal point. Add it to your sunny border, pollinator and butterfly garden, and enjoy your happy, buzzing visitors! You will be happy, too.

Don’t have a fence? Worry less. Due to toxic “milk” inside the stems, this plant has built-in, high deer resistance. Deer and other critters like squirrels and chipmunks, will avoid this plant in your garden.

As a naturalizing plant, one clump will spread and turn into many that you can enjoy over the years! Give each plant room to spread out. Water deeply and regularly in its first growing season to give the roots a good drink and to allow them to take root strongly.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The genus name of the milkweed plant , Asclepias, references Greek god Asklepios, god of medicine.

Commonly found in swamps, bogs, and alongside rivers, this plant is tolerant of having wet feet and will tolerate highly moist conditions. Great for rain gardens and low spots in your garden that collect water.

Create an effortless, natural pairing with other native perennials including cardinal flower, chelone, and ironweed.

This plant has great ecological benefit: with nectar-rich flowers, this is a pollinator favorite for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies alike. This is the only food supply for the Monarch butterfly in its larval stage. Mother Nature will thank you for growing it!

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

Pink

Height at Maturity

Over 12"

Care

Milkweed plants thrive in well-drained soil and prefer a moderate amount of water. They’re drought-tolerant once established. Prune dead stems in late winter to early spring. They attract pollinators and provide habitat for monarch caterpillars. Avoid over-fertilizing.

Plant Reproduction

In the right conditions, milkweed plants can spread aggressively by runners or by reseeding.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE