BEAUTIFY YOUR GARDEN WHILE SAVING THE MONARCHS
FEATURES:
- Intricate, snow-white summer blossoms that stand out from the rich green foliage
- A wonderful attraction for Monarch butterflies to lay eggs and gather nectar
- The green foliage serves as a never ending buffet for the Monarch caterpillars
- Fits in perfectly with any color scheme you may have in your garden space
- Adapts easily in many climates
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 3-5' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 2-4' apart
Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed
Bower & Branch Trees and Plants
Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid'
Regular price
1(866) 873-3888
BEAUTIFY YOUR GARDEN WHILE SAVING THE MONARCHS
FEATURES:
- Intricate, snow-white summer blossoms that stand out from the rich green foliage
- A wonderful attraction for Monarch butterflies to lay eggs and gather nectar
- The green foliage serves as a never ending buffet for the Monarch caterpillars
- Fits in perfectly with any color scheme you may have in your garden space
- Adapts easily in many climates
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Mature Height: 3-5' tall
- Mature Width: 2-3' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 2-4' apart
Why plant Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed?
Beautify your garden and save the monarchs at the same time! Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed is a sensational perennial with intricate snow-white summer blossoms. The cool white blooms stand out from the rich green foliage and go with any color scheme you might have in your garden. Passing butterflies of all types see the flowers and think, “Lunch!” and will stop for some nectar. Monarch butterflies see this plant as food for their young, and females may stop to lay eggs. Plant some extra for them. They need all the help they can get right now!
Swamp Milkweed grows wild all over the eastern U.S., from the Atlantic Coast to the Rocky Mountain States. It does indeed grow in swampy areas (“wetlands” has a nicer ring to it), although it’s perfectly happy in a typical garden situation with supplemental water during dry spells. Usually sporting rosy pink flowers, Milkmaid was selected for its pure white blossoms. Although Milkweed grows all over the country, much of it has been destroyed in recent years for development, and monarch populations have dwindled as a result. You really can make a difference by including this essential monarch host plant in your garden.
How to use Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed in the landscape?
Monarch caterpillars look nothing like the familiar orange and black adults. Caterpillars are striped with yellow, black, and white. If you decide to cut some Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed flowers for a bouquet (which is not a bad idea), check the leaves carefully for baby monarchs.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 4-9
How To Plant Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed
Grow Milkmaid Swamp Milkweed in full sun for best results and irrigate regularly. Do not let it dry out. Plants will be tall and lush in wet soil, a bit shorter and more compact in average conditions. One problem that may affect Milkmaid is aphids feeding on the new growth. Simply knock them off with a jet of water from the hose. Do not use pesticides on or near this monarch butterfly host plant!
How To Water
Water twice weekly for the first 3-5 weeks; then water weekly for the remainder of the year until winter. When you water, water slowly and thoroughly. Watering needs may be altered due to extreme weather conditions. Remember, Swamp Milkweed likes lots of water.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late year. Continue this for three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Cut plants back in late fall or any time before new growth appears in the spring. Swamp Milkweed is late to emerge, and it’s a good idea to mark its location before it goes dormant for the winter, so you remember where it is.
