Annie's Annuals & Perennials Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed

Yes, Asclepias speciosa is a primary host plant for Monarch butterflies. It supports their entire life cycle, meaning they will lay eggs on the leaves and the caterpillars will feed on the foliage before pupating.

Once established, Showy Milkweed is quite drought-tolerant. You will need to water it regularly during its first season to help it settle in, but after that, it thrives with minimal supplemental irrigation.

Absolutely. This variety is known for its adaptability and handles clay soils better than many other perennials, making it a reliable choice for tougher garden conditions.

It typically reaches a mature height of 3 to 4 feet. Because it has sturdy, upright stems, it generally does not require staking, even when in full bloom.

Yes, it is considered deer-resistant. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, the taste and texture of milkweed are generally unappealing to deer, so they tend to leave it alone.

Asclepias speciosa is a rhizomatous perennial, meaning it can spread via underground runners. It is best suited for meadow-style borders or areas where it has room to naturalize rather than tight, formal flower beds.