What Is Swamp Milkweed?
Many gardeners are familiar with
common milkweed
Many likely view him as the top-ranking monarch.
host plant
, renowned equally for its blossoms and for the foliage favored by caterpillars. Although common milkweed is beneficial for your garden, it disseminates its seeds extensively and can be quite invasive and hard to control. If you prefer not to handle the upkeep yet wish to
help monarchs
And to lure additional butterflies, consider another indigenous option: the swamp milkweed (also referred to as red milkweed). Below are the reasons for incorporating this particular milkweed into your garden.
Take a look at the comprehensive guide to
growing milkweed plants
For monarchs. Additionally, about milkweed?
harmful to humans and animals
?
Swamp Milkweed Care
Scientific name
:
Asclepias incarnata
Zones
: 3 to 6
Light needs
: Full sun
Soil:
Moist to wet or moderate soil conditions
Size
Grows up to 5 feet tall and extends 2 to 3 feet wide.
Grown for
: Vibrant, sweet-scented blooms appear in midsummer
Foliage
: Long, tapered leaves
Discover ways to cultivate indigenous plants
butterfly weed
for monarchs.
Advantages of Cultivating Swamp Milkweed
Indigenous to the Midwest, this variety of milkweed is ideal for populating butterfly gardens. It is less invasive than common milkweed but offers all the same benefits.
nectar benefits
To propel monarchs throughout their legendary journeys
migration
It thrives even in difficult environments, yet favors a location that is both bright and damp. Hence its name:
swamp
.)
Similar to other varieties of milkweed, this plant isn’t particularly striking until it blossoms in the middle of summer. At that point, stunning clusters of flowers rise up to 5 feet high. These blooms vary in color from different hues of pink to pure white. They’re hard to overlook, as are the numerous pollinators they attract.
monarch butterflies
.
Similar to other members of the milkweed family, this plant serves as an essential food source for monarchs. Both monarch and queen caterpillars feed on its foliage, whereas deer generally avoid consuming it.
Here’s how to
gather milkweed seeds from the pods
.
Where Can You Purchase Swamp Milkweed?
Locating this plant within its designated growth zones should not pose much difficulty. You can visit your nearby garden store or buy plants via reliable online vendors. Should you opt for starting from seeds instead, swamp milkweed seeds can also be acquired.
Swamp Milkweed Varieties
Ice Ballet captivates with its array of white blossoms against deeper green leaves, or be the star with Cinderella’s magenta petals.
Next, proceed through the phases of the process.
monarch butterfly life cycle
.
