Perennials, Weeds > Asclepias > Asclepias tuberosa > Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Weed
Origin: Native to eastern North America. Perennial Plant of the Year 2017.
| Family |
| Apocynaceae |
| Genus |
| Asclepias |
| Species |
| tuberosa |
| Category |
| Perennials, Weeds |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 3 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 1 |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H7 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -40 - (-35) |
| Temperature (°F) |
| -40 - (-30) |
| Height |
| 0.75 - 2 m |
Photographs
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| Landscape |
| Excellent for a herbaceous border or pollinator, meadow or natural garden. |
| Cultivation |
| Grow in full sun in a light, well-drained, humus-rich sandy soil, mulching with bracken litter or leafmould where low temperatures are prolonged. If potted, use a well-crocked pot of fibrous loam-based mix, admit full sun and water plentifully during growth, occasionally adding a dilute liquid feed. Reduce water gradually after flowering, then cut back and allow a two month rest period during the winter. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| Pests |
| Whitefly may be a problem if plants (seedlings) are grown on under cover. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves grow up to 11.5 cm in length, and are crowded and loosely spiral on the stem. |
| Flower Description |
| Flowers are yellow, orange or vermilion. |
| Fruit Description |
| Fruit is a seed pod growing up to 15 cm. |
| Notable Specimens |
| The Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. |
| Propagation |
| Propagate by seed, surface-sowing in late winter in a coldframe. |
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