common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)

 

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

Common Milkweed is a hardy native perennial known for its broad leaves and large, fragrant clusters of pink to lavender flowers. Naturally found in fields, meadows, roadsides, and other open areas, it spreads by underground rhizomes and can gradually form large colonies. Give it plenty of room to spread or plant it in an area where its natural growth habit is welcome.

 

Growing conditions

• Size: 3 to 6 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
• Light: Full sun 
• Soil: Well drained; adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay
• Water: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
• Bloom time: Summer
• 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 24–36 inches apart and allow additional room for the colony to spread over time. 
• Water thoroughly after planting and regularly while the plant becomes established. Reduce supplemental watering once established.
• Choose a location where its spreading growth habit will not interfere with smaller or less vigorous plants.

 

seasonal growth pattern

• Year 1: Establishes its root system and produces upright leafy growth. Flowering may be limited while the plant becomes established.
• Year 2: Produces stronger growth and more reliable flowering. New shoots may begin appearing from underground rhizomes.
• Year 3 and beyond: Established plants can gradually form colonies as underground rhizomes produce new stems beyond the original planting location.
• Fall & Winter: Seed pods mature and split to release wind dispersed seeds. Above ground growth dies back after frost, while the underground root system remains dormant through winter and produces new growth in spring.

 

care

Common Milkweed performs best in full sun and is adaptable to a wide range of well drained soils. Once established, it is drought tolerant and generally requires little supplemental watering. Because it spreads readily by underground rhizomes, remove unwanted shoots as needed to keep the colony within its desired area.

 

notes

• Spreads readily by underground rhizomes and can form large colonies.
• Produces larger, strongly fragrant clusters of pink to lavender flowers.
• Drought tolerant once established.
• Best suited for areas where its natural spreading habit has plenty of room.