Growing Milkweed - Using The Milkweed Plant In The Garden

Can I plant milkweed in my garden?

The National Wildlife Foundation recommends planting milkweed that is native to your area, particularly for large-scale planting (see its guide to milkweed regions for more information), but common milkweed, butterfly weed, and swamp milkweed will do well in most gardens.

Does milkweed come back every year?

Perennial milkweeds grow back year after year. They provide habitat for traveling Monarch butterflies. If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you'll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed.

Does milkweed spread fast?

Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies' favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Perennial.

Does milkweed need sun or shade?

Most milkweed species evolved in open areas where they were exposed to full sunlight and they will do best if they are planted in the sunniest areas of your gardens. A few species, such as A. purpurascens, appear to require partial shade.

What can I plant next to milkweed?

Verbena Bonariensis with Any Milkweed Variety. ...
Blue Tweedia with Dwarf Butterfly Bush. ...
Purple Salvia with Butterfly Weed. ...
Mistflower with Shorter Milkweed Varieties. ...
Butterfly Weed with Tropical Milkweed. ...
Swamp Milkweed with Swamp Milkweed 'ice ballet' ...
Whorled Milkweed with Spider Milkweed.

Where should I plant my milkweed?

Plant in full sun locations. Soil: There is a Milkweed variety for every landscape. Common Milkweed grows well in average garden soil. Swamp Milkweed, as its name implies, will do best in a moist environment, making it great for wet meadows or rain gardens.

Is milkweed poisonous to dogs?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Will my milkweed grow back after caterpillars?

If the caterpillars have striped your milkweed plant bare can you save the plant to re-grow ? Hi Kelcey, Yes, even if the caterpillars have eaten all the leaves and the plant is just stems, after a while, new leaves will sprout and grow. My milkweed plants have been stripped several times.

How long do milkweed plants live?

There are over 100 species of milkweed in North America and the diversity of foliage and flower color is quite amazing. All milkweeds are herbaceous perennials, meaning they live for more than two years. In fact, most milkweeds will live for several years if cared for properly.

Is milkweed poisonous to touch?

According to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at Ohio State University, common milkweed is slightly toxic to humans, but only if eaten in large amounts.

Do milkweed plants spread?

“Common milkweed spreads by rhizomes (underground runners or roots) which is why it can be such an aggressive spreader. By planting it within a fairly dense planting of other native species, you leave minimal room for the rhizomes to travel.”

Does milkweed need a lot of water?

Water. Common milkweed does not need watering except in the driest conditions.

How often does milkweed bloom?

Flowers: Individual flowers are small (0.4 to 0.7 inches), consisting of five petals pink to purple in color. Flowers occur in round clusters (inflorescence) about two inches in diameter, and bloom from June through August. Fruit: Milkweeds produce large seedpods (3 to 5 inches long) after flowering.

How many milkweed seeds should I plant?

Sow 2 to 3 seeds in a pot filled with seed-starting mix, cover with ¼ inch of mix, water lightly and set under lights. Germination takes 7 to 10 days. Plant seedlings outside in a sunny spot when they have 3 to 4 sets of leaves and the ground is warm.

Can milkweed grow in shade?

This milkweed has large, oval, blue-green leaves and spherical clusters of rose-colored flowers at the top of the stem. The blooming period is from May to September. This milkweed prefers sun but is shade-tolerant, and generally grows well in moderately moist soil.

Are milkweed bugs bad for plants?

Similar to the Monarch butterfly, the Large Milkweed Bug protects itself by consuming milkweed sap–which is toxic to most predators. For the most part, these bugs aren't dangerous. They don't bite or sting, nor do they cause any real damage to the plant.

How many milkweed plants attract monarchs?

By planting at least two milkweed species, as well as other nectar-rich plants, you'll attract monarchs and other pollinators throughout the breeding season.

Does common milkweed bloom the first year?

In general, milkweed may not flower in the first year of growth, because it is investing its resources in growing a strong root system. ... Finally, milkweed may not bloom if the plant is stressed, such as by drought or excessive heat. Luckily, monarchs will lay their eggs on milkweed even if it is not flowering!

What is the best time to plant milkweed seeds?

According to the document, milkweed seed should ideally be planted in the fall. While some seed predation will occur, exposure to cold temperatures and moist conditions during winter will stimulate germination.

Do bees like milkweed?

"Very fond of milkweed blossoms, bees will desert other flowers when these are available. ... "Generally, milkweeds are considered beneficial to bees. However, there are potential negative aspects to milkweed flowers. It is conceivably possible for bees and other small pollinators to become trapped in a blossom.

How tall does milkweed grow?

This milkweed grows to about 1.5 meters(5 feet) tall, usually occurring in clusters of stout stems. It has rhizomes and quickly forms colonies. Leaves are 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) long and 5-9 centimeters (2-3.6 inches) wide. They are somewhat thick with a prominent midrib beneath.