Perennial | Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed)

Plant Info

Asclepias incarnata, commonly known as Swamp Milkweed, is a beautiful North American native perennial that produces fragrant clusters of rose pink flowers from mid to late summer. Naturally found in wetlands, meadows, and along streambanks, it thrives in moist soils while also adapting well to average garden conditions once established. The nectar rich blooms attract a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the plant serves as an essential host for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. After flowering, slender seed pods develop and eventually release silky seeds that are carried by the wind. Swamp Milkweed forms attractive upright clumps and is an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Like all milkweeds, it contains cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) and is toxic if ingested, potentially causing serious poisoning in people, cats, and dogs. 

Growing Info

Mature height: 3-5 feet 

Mature spread: 1-2 feet

Watering needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil but tolerates average moisture once established. Likes boggy and wet areas. Water deeply and infrequently while the plant establishes.

Sunlight requirements: Full Sun (6+ hours of sun)

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Culture

This plant is grown in a soiless media in a 3.5" pot. When planting, do not plant any deeper than how the plant is in it's pot. When mulching, do not put mulch all the way up to the plant, make a "bowl" shape in your mulch around the plant.