Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis)
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
Aquatic Milkweed is a compact perennial with delicate white to pale pink flowers. Naturally found along rivers and wetlands, it is one of the best milkweeds for small gardens, containers, and water gardens.
Growing conditions
- Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
- Light: sun to part shade
- Soil: consistently moist to wet
- Water: needs constant moisture, cannot tolerate drought
- Bloom time: summer, starting the second year
- Lifecycle: perennial
Planting instructions
- Plant in spring or fall when the temperatures are mild
- Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the soil surface
- Space plants 18–24 inches apart
- Water thoroughly and keep soil consistently moist
seasonal growth pattern
- Year 1: Focuses on root growth and typically will not bloom.
- Year 2: Begins flowering and may spread if soil remains moist.
- Year 3 and beyond: Reaches full size with continuous summer blooms when well-watered.
- Fall & Winter: Seed pods form; leave stems standing for insect habitat and cut back in early spring.
care
Aquatic Milkweed thrives in wide, deep pots and can even be grown in tubs or containers set in water trays. This makes it an excellent choice for patios, porches, and small spaces where you want to support monarchs. It is also perfect for planting along pond edges, in bog gardens, or near other wetland plants. The soil should remain consistently moist at all times.
notes
- Does not bloom the first year while roots develop
- Compact and easy to tuck into smaller gardens
- Blooms later into summer if given ideal moisture