Tall Green Milkweed (Asclepias hirtella)
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
Tall Green Milkweed is an upright perennial with narrow leaves and round clusters of greenish-white flowers. It thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and is great for prairie-style beds, meadows, and low-water gardens.
Growing conditions
- Size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide
- Light: full sun
- Soil: well-drained; sandy, gravelly, or loamy soils are ideal
- Water: dry to medium; avoid consistently wet or heavy clay
- 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 at planting; allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings once established
seasonal growth pattern
- Year 1: Deep root growth with little top growth; usually does not bloom.
- Year 2: Stronger stems and first flowering in summer (June–August).
- Year 3: Reaches full size with reliable midsummer blooms
- Fall & Winter: Long seed pods form; leave stems for insect habitat and cut back in late winter.
care
Tall Green Milkweed prefers lean, well-drained soil and full sun. It develops a deep taproot and dislikes being moved, so choose the planting spot carefully. Deadheading is optional; leave some pods to mature for seed and wildlife value.
notes
- Does not bloom the first year while roots develop
- Deep taproot makes it drought-tolerant once established
- Reliable midsummer blooms in full sun with good drainage