12/7/2023 0 Comments Asclepias seedlings![]() When plants start tipping over, especially native plants there a few things to investigate as to the cause. That being said, there are a few things you can do to keep it healthy. So, full sun and moist to medium soil and it should thrive. Swamp Milkweed CareĬaring for Swamp Milkweed is very easy if you place it in conditions that it likes to grow. Have dry soil? Maybe try it’s cousin, Butterfly Weed, which is drought tolerant. Swamp Milkweed should not be grown in excessively sandy soil, without significant organic matter, as it will be too prone to drought. *Not sure what kind of soil you have? Try one our or DIY Soil tests to determine your type. Swamp Milkweed prefers moist to medium soil, and can tolerate occasional flooding. Soil / Moisture conditions for Swamp Milkweed The more sun available the taller and more blooms will be produced. Swamp Milkweed prefers full sun (6+ hours per day) to partial shade (4-6 hrs per day). How to grow and care for Swamp Milkweed Swamp Milkweed sunlight requirements Swamp Milkweed As these pods dry, a slit will open along the length letting seed float away with the wind. The pods will be about 3 inches long by 1/2″ wide, and will contain seeds. Swamp Milkweed PodsĪpproximately 1-2 months after blooming pods will form. Flowers of Swamp Milkweed are some of the best smelling you can find. The blooming period of Swamp Milkweed lasts about 4 weeks, generally starting sometime in July and ending in August. They are milkweed-style flowers, having 5 petals, sepals, and hoods w/ horns. Individual flowers are approximately 6 mm diameter. The blooms of Swamp Milkweed consist of clusters ( umbels) of 10-30 individual pink/white flowers that are 2-3″ diameter. In fact leaves are one of the easiest ways to identify Swamp Milkweed prior to blooming. Swamp Milkweed leaves are noticeably smaller than Common Milkweed Leaves, but significantly larger than Butterfly Weed leaves. They will be hairless and have smooth margins. Leaves of Swamp Milkweed are 3-6″ long by 1-2″ wide, opposite along the stem and oblong to lanceolate in shape. ![]() Stalks of Swamp Milkweed are erect, smooth, and light green in color. Significant differences include where they can grow as well as height, leaves, and root characteristics. But, I should tell you what are the differences between Swamp Milkweed and Common Milkweed. There are more similarities than differences when we compare Swamp Milkweed versus Common Milkweed. It is naturally found in prairies, swamps, and open areas that are not prone to drought. Swamp Milkweed can grow from 2-5′ tall depending on available sunlight. Clay soil’s ability to hold water can help keep Swamp Milkweed from drying out. So, you get all the pollinators and none of the herbivores!Īnd finally, Swamp Milkweed can grow and thrive in Clay Soil! Yes, the dreaded clay soil is actually great for Swamp Milkweed. ![]() If you like to see butterflies and bees in your yard, then this plant is a must-have.Īnother benefit is of Swamp Milkweed is that it really is deer resistant! The foliage tastes bitter and is toxic, which keeps deer at bay. The number pollinators that you will attract by planting Swamp Milkweed is immense. The pink and white blooms are exquisite and attractive, and last for about a month. Swamp Milkweed is a beautiful plant! It has elegant and lush foliage with it’s dark green leaves. Attracts many butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Swamp Milkweed, Rose Milkweed, Pink Milkweed, Red Milkweed, Marsh Milkweed Swamp Milkweed Reference Table Scientific Name Bees can’t seem to resist the blooms, as well as numerous species of butterflies including Black Swallowtail, Tiger Swallowtail, numerous mid-size butterflies, and of course Monarchs. It is one of the most reliable flowers for attracting wildlife. I grow 5-10 plants in our backyard micro-prairie. Growing 3-5 feet tall in full sun and moist-to-medium soil, the lush pink blooms last for about a month and attract numerous butterflies and bees. Scientifically known as Asclepias Incarnata, it is host to Monarch Butterflies. Swamp Milkweed is a herbaceous long-lived perennial wildflower native to North America.
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