2017 Perennial Plant of the Year® Asclepias tuberosa - butterfly weed
Perennials chosen are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest, and are relatively pest/disease-free. The Florida Association of Native Nureries says the pinelands ecotype may be easier to use in most typical Florida landscape settings.
Butterfly weed is an excellent plant known for its ability to support insects and birds and serve as the primary caterpillar food for a beloved Monarch native butterfly.
Hardiness USDA Zones 4 to 9
Light - Butterfly weed grows best in full sun.
Soil - Grows best in well-drained soils and it is drought tolerant.
Uses - Butterfly weed is a perfect selection for full-sun meadow or prairie gardens as well as formal to semi-formal urban gardens. Flower arrangers find the plants make long-lasting cut flowers.
Unique Qualities - Asclepias tuberosa are butterfly magnets. Flowers are a nectar source for many butterflies and leaves are a food source for the monarch butterfly caterpillars.
Maintenance - Butterfly weed is subject to no serious insect or disease problems. Deer usually avoid butterfly weed.
The Perennial Plant Association is a trade association composed of growers, retailers, landscape designers and contractors, educators, and others that are professionally involved in the herbaceous perennial industry.
Why We No Longer Carry Non-Native Tropical Milkweed
Article from Native Nurseries in Tallahassee, Florida
The article includes information on native milkweeds.
