Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a beautiful perennial wildflower native to western and central North America, from southern Canada through the western United States and into the Southwest. Growing approximately 2–4 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide, it features broad, velvety, gray-green leaves and large, rounded clusters of fragrant, pink to rosy-purple, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, Showy Milkweed tolerates winter temperatures as low as -40°F and summer temperatures around 90–100°F when adequate moisture is available. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and becomes increasingly drought-tolerant as its deep root system develops. An important host plant for monarch butterflies, its foliage provides essential food for developing caterpillars, while its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Showy Milkweed is an excellent choice for native landscapes, pollinator gardens, and naturalized wildflower meadows.
Southwest Growing Tips: Showy Milkweed is especially well suited to cooler foothill and mountain gardens, where seasonal moisture and moderate summer temperatures support healthy growth. In hot, low-desert landscapes, provide afternoon shade and supplemental irrigation during extreme summer heat. Although established plants tolerate periods of drought, prolonged dryness can reduce flowering and overall vigor. Allow adequate space for its underground rhizomes to spread naturally, as mature plants may gradually form colonies.
Stratification & Germination: Showy Milkweed seeds often benefit from cold, moist stratification to improve germination. For spring planting, place seeds in a lightly moistened medium and refrigerate for approximately 30–60 days, or sow outdoors in fall to allow natural winter conditions to prepare the seeds for spring germination. After stratification, sow seeds approximately 1/8 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright light and warm temperatures around 70–80°F. Germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks under favorable conditions but may be uneven or take longer. Transplant seedlings carefully once they develop several sets of true leaves, avoiding damage to their developing root systems.
Toxicity: Showy Milkweed contains toxic cardiac glycosides in its leaves, stems, and milky sap. All parts of the plant are potentially poisonous to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves when handling damaged plants, avoid contact with eyes, and keep plants away from grazing animals and pets that may chew on foliage.
Grow Showy Milkweed from seed and bring fragrant native blooms to your garden while supporting monarch butterflies and other essential pollinators!
THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE PACKET OF 25 SEEDS.
Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a beautiful perennial wildflower native to western and central North America, from southern Canada through the western United States and into the Southwest. Growing approximately 2–4 feet tall and 1–3 feet wide, it features broad, velvety, gray-green leaves and large, rounded clusters of fragrant, pink to rosy-purple, star-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Hardy in USDA Zones 3–9, Showy Milkweed tolerates winter temperatures as low as -40°F and summer temperatures around 90–100°F when adequate moisture is available. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and becomes increasingly drought-tolerant as its deep root system develops. An important host plant for monarch butterflies, its foliage provides essential food for developing caterpillars, while its nectar-rich flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Showy Milkweed is an excellent choice for native landscapes, pollinator gardens, and naturalized wildflower meadows.
Southwest Growing Tips: Showy Milkweed is especially well suited to cooler foothill and mountain gardens, where seasonal moisture and moderate summer temperatures support healthy growth. In hot, low-desert landscapes, provide afternoon shade and supplemental irrigation during extreme summer heat. Although established plants tolerate periods of drought, prolonged dryness can reduce flowering and overall vigor. Allow adequate space for its underground rhizomes to spread naturally, as mature plants may gradually form colonies.
Stratification & Germination: Showy Milkweed seeds often benefit from cold, moist stratification to improve germination. For spring planting, place seeds in a lightly moistened medium and refrigerate for approximately 30–60 days, or sow outdoors in fall to allow natural winter conditions to prepare the seeds for spring germination. After stratification, sow seeds approximately 1/8 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright light and warm temperatures around 70–80°F. Germination typically occurs within 1–3 weeks under favorable conditions but may be uneven or take longer. Transplant seedlings carefully once they develop several sets of true leaves, avoiding damage to their developing root systems.
Toxicity: Showy Milkweed contains toxic cardiac glycosides in its leaves, stems, and milky sap. All parts of the plant are potentially poisonous to humans, pets, and livestock if ingested. The sap may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Wear gloves when handling damaged plants, avoid contact with eyes, and keep plants away from grazing animals and pets that may chew on foliage.
Grow Showy Milkweed from seed and bring fragrant native blooms to your garden while supporting monarch butterflies and other essential pollinators!
THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE PACKET OF 25 SEEDS.
