Asclepias Perennis

Aquatic Milkweed for Monarch Caterpillars and Pollinators

Asclepias perennis: Aquatic milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, White milkweed

Plant Specs:

• Perennial: USDA hardiness zones 6a-9b (lows -23.3 °C or -10 °F)
• Native to much of the central to southeastern US (Al, Ar, Fl, Ga, Il, In, Ky, La, Ms, Mo, SC, Tn, Tx)
• Full sun to part shade
• Height: 1 to 3 feet
• Spacing: 1 to 2 ft
• Flowers: white flowers that resemble ‘ice ballet’ incarnata
• Blooms late spring to fall- blooms repeatedly over season

Plant Propagation:

• Sow seeds outside in fall– November is a good option for most regions
• Take Stem Cuttings and start in water or directly in soil
• Winter sowing is a good option if you want to control plant placement
• Start seeds indoors 2 months before final frost- seeds must be cold stratified
• Spring sow directly after final frost

Pros:

• Good choice for rain gardens or by water features
• Large, thick leaves can sustain more monarchs
• Supports a wide range of pollinators
• Easy to start from stem cuttings milkweed seeds
• Fibrous roots transplant easily
• Long bloom period and can rebloom

Cons:

• Short plants can get overtaken in the garden without proper spacing
• Prone to aphid pests like most milkweed

Aquatic Growing Tips:

• Grow in containers to keep shorts plant easily visible and portable
• Transplant milkweed in early spring or fall for a higher survival rate
• Seed Saver- If you don’t want additional seedlings next spring, simply cut off the seed pods before they pop open or bind them shut with organza bags if you want to collect common milkweed seeds

Pollinator Plus:

This milkweed also attracts queen and solider butterflies that also use this milkweed as a host plant for caterpillars. We will watch be watching perennis plants for other pollinators this season. If you know of others that utilize aquatic milkweed, please comment below.

Resources:

1. Buy Asclepias Perennis at Joyful Butterfly

2. Get Asclepias Perennis on Etsy

3. Find Aquatic Milkweed on Amazon

Click here for 30+ Milkweed Varieties for your Butterfly Garden