honeyvine Milkweed (Cynanchum laeve)
Milkweed is the essential host plant for monarch caterpillars and a nectar source for many pollinators. All of our milkweeds are hardy perennials that return year after year once established.
plant profile
Honeyvine Milkweed is a vigorous twining vine with heart-shaped leaves and small white summer flowers, ideal for fences or trellises.
Growing conditions
- Size: 6 to 15 feet or more as a climbing vine
- Light: full sun to part sun
- Soil: medium moisture, well-drained
- Water: average needs, fairly adaptable
- Bloom time: mid to late summer, starting the second year
- Lifecycle: perennial
planting instructions
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the soil surface
- Space plants at least 24 inches from other plants
- Provide a sturdy support such as a fence, arbor, or trellis at planting time so vines can climb
- Water thoroughly after planting
seasonal growth patterns
- Year 1: Focuses on root and vine establishment; no blooms.
- Year 2: Produces vigorous climbing growth and begins flowering.
- Year 3 and beyond: Continues strong vertical growth and summer bloom.
- Fall & Winter: Seed pods form; vines die back to the ground, regrowing in spring.
care
Best planted in the ground with a sturdy support to climb. Not suited for containers. It can grow vigorously, so place where it has room to spread.
notes
- Does not bloom the first year while roots develop
- Strong grower, excellent host plant, but may need management to prevent overgrowth