Asclepias tuberosa
Botanical Name
Asclepias tuberosa
Hardiness
Zones 4 to 9
Height
18 to 36 inches
Width
12 to 24 inches
Flowers
Late spring thru late summer: red, orange, yellow
Light
Full sun
Soil
Well-drained, dry
Planting and Care
Butterfly weed does well in dry, infertile soil. Because of its deep taproot, dividing is not recommended. Wait until spring to cut plants back. Be patient, plants are slow to emerge in the spring. In colder zones, apply a winter mulch to prevent frost heaving.
Problems
Rot in poorly drained soils, rust, leaf spots
Varieties to Consider
'Gay Butterflies' - reds, oranges, and yellows