planting showy milkweed seeds Showy Milkweed Plant Sets

planting showy milkweed seeds Showy Milkweed Plant SetsShowy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a beautiful, manageable alternative to common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), featuring large, velvety oval shaped leaves and clusters of fragrant, spiky pink flowers that provide essential nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. As a critical host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, this drought tolerant perennial plays a vital role in supporting Monarchs and other pollinators, while adding charming

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a beautiful, manageable alternative to common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), featuring large, velvety oval-shaped leaves and clusters of fragrant, spiky pink flowers that provide essential nectar for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. As a critical host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars, this drought-tolerant perennial plays a vital role in supporting Monarchs and other pollinators, while adding charming color and texture to your garden.

Its sweetly scented blooms attract not just Monarchs, but also Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, Fritillaries, Checkerspots, and Skippers, making it an excellent choice for butterfly gardens. Hummingbirds are also drawn to its nectar-rich, tubular flowers, adding lively movement to your landscape.

Why Grow Showy Milkweed?

• Essential for Monarchs: A host plant for Monarch caterpillars, ensuring their survival.
• Attracts Butterflies & Hummingbirds: A nectar source for Monarchs, Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and more while also feeding hummingbirds.
• Pollinator & Bird Friendly: Supports native bees, butterflies, and songbirds, with seed pods providing winter food for birds.
• Drought-Tolerant & Low-Maintenance: Thrives in dry, sandy, or well-drained soils with minimal water once established.
• Fragrant, Showy Blooms: Produces large clusters of pink, star-like flowers from late spring through summer.
• Deer & Rabbit Resistant: Naturally unappealing to browsing wildlife, ensuring lasting blooms.
• Pollinator-Safe: Grown non-GMO and free of harmful neonicotinoids, promoting a healthy ecosystem for pollinators and wildlife.

Available in sets of three, six, or 12 plants to create a pollinator-friendly habitat in your garden.

 Planting Tips:

1. Location: Prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil. Ideal for pollinator gardens, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.
2. Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, requires little to no supplemental watering.
3. Maintenance: Minimal care required. There's no need to deadhead the flowers, as allowing them to go to seed provides a valuable food source for birds. Leaving the stems standing in the fall offers overwintering sites for beneficial insects. If desired, cut back the stems in late spring after pollinators have emerged. 

For more information on planting, view our How to Plant Your Native Plants guide and other planting tips in the Garden for Wildlife Learning Center. 

Plant Showy Milkweed and help sustain Monarchs, hummingbirds, and other butterflies while enjoying stunning pink blooms and fragrant summer flowers!