How To Care For Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa)

17.10.2023 - 17:05 / getbusygardening.com / Amy Andrychowicz

Butterfly weed is easy to care for, low maintenance, and also grows very quickly.

This gorgeous butterfly and bee-friendly plant adds color to any landscape, and is great for beginners. But it still needs the right attention and environment to thrive.

In this detailed guide you’ll learn all about how to care for butterfly weed. You’ll find tips on water, light, soil, pruning, and so much more.

Table of Contents

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a herbaceous perennial that is native to the Northern and Eastern United States. It’s a relative to common milkweed.

It grows from a thick, deep taproot, and reaches heights up to 3’ with an average width of 2’.

Thick, arrow-shaped green foliage forms along the upright stems. In the summer, clusters of colorful flowers form at the tips.

The bright blooms are attractive to many pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It’s also a host plant for monarchs, earning its second common name, butterfly milkweed.

There are many types of butterfly milkweed to choose from, but thankfully they can all be cared for in the same way. Here are a few of the most popular cultivars.

Typically in mid to late summer, butterfly weed will produce clusters of red, orange, white, yellow, or mixed-colored flowers.

The exact time of year they will bloom varies depending on the climate, environment, and cultivar.

The blossoms are small, star-shaped, and lightly fragrant. They’re attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

The sap of butterfly weed is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and it can also be irritating to the skin.

If you’re concerned, it’s best to keep pets away from this plant, and also wear protective glasses and gloves when handling it. To find out more information