Variegated leaves and seed pods make this a first in the world of milkweeds. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. It produces bunches of orange, yellow, and red tubular blooms for months. Container plants may be cut back and brought inside into bright sunny locations in winter. Bloodflower, Swallow-wort, Butterfly Weed, Mexican Milkweed, Scarlet Milkweed Asclepias curassavica is Naturalized in Texas and other States, and is a magnet for butterflies. It will grow as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and in pots as an annual in colder climates. Prune off the seed pods in late fall or early winter if you don't want the butterfly weed to self-seed, or just to improve the garden's appearance. Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant exclusively, so consider allowing them to munch on it in some areas of your yard. Taking cuttings at season’s end to place in water overwinter. In harsh winter areas below zone 8, grow in containers and move to a sunny indoor spot before first frost. Monarch butterflies. Wipe the pruning shears with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to disinfect them before pruning, and then wipe them again when moving between plants. Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of orange-red flowers adorned with yellow hoods from early summer to fall. It is a favorite host plant for Monarch Butterf Bloodflower, Scarlet Milkweed, Silky Scarlet Milkweed. Remove the wilting flowers after the first flush of blooms begin to fade, cutting off the flower cluster above the topmost set of leaves on the stem. Genus Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres In northwest Florida, the milkweed species most planted has been tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, as it is lush, showy and easy to grow. Asclepias curassavica is described by NatureServe as a "widespread species, ranging from southern North America through Central America and into South America." Stop deadheading in late summer if you want decorative seed pods on the plants in fall and early winter. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Tropical milkweed responds well to pruning and fertilizer. It gets flowers from spring to fall. ASCLEPIAS curassavica 'Silky Scarlet'( SILKY SERIES) . Then cut back stems to the new growth and the plant will take off from there. Even if the cold kills the stems, it may regrow quickly from the roots. Step 1 Cut dead branches off the plant in late spring. Tropical Growing Tips: Start cuttings or buy plants for full season bloom period. We have grown to love monarch butterflies, with their striking orange and black markings and their fascinating annual migration from southern Canada 3,000 miles south to Mexico. The availability of a host plant for the caterpillars may be prompting adult females to stay and lay eggs rather than migrate south and be protected from deadly freezes. Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)Asclepias crassavica is an excellent addition to any Butterfly garden. The colorful flowers earned it the name bloodflower and scarlet milkweed commercially. The most common milkweed species found in American plant nurseries is the Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, and is not native to the continental U.S. I’ve never read why it’s the most commonly sold, I just assume it’s easiest to propagate and sell because it thrives in a wide range of situations. Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen shrub native to Central and South America, which has long been widespread as a wild plant in most of the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe; reaches 50-80 cm in … General Description. All parts of the butterfly weed are toxic if eaten. Photo by Mary Salinas, UF/IFAS Extension. The bloodflower, or Asclepias curassavica, is a tropical milkweed that is native to the American tropics, which includes the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Gardeners in mild climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed (A. curassavica). Bloodflower plants have a long taproot, so they should be planted in a carefully selected spot. To help them, we have increasingly planted milkweed, the only plant on which their caterpillars will feed. Charlotte’s Blush® is every bit a tropical milkweed and every bit a magnificent showy garden plant. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. Remove all pruning clippings from the bed after pruning and dispose of them. Tropical milkweed, including Charlotte’s Blush® and Monarch’s Promise®, grows well in nearly any garden. Cornell University Extension: Butterfly Weed, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Deadheading or Trimming Butterfly Weed. see more; Family Apocynaceae . The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Genus Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres . Asclepiadaceae. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) has a natural range that extends as far north as Mexico, but this plant is not native to the United States or Canada. Monarch Joint Venture: Potential risks of growing exotic (non-native) milkweeds for monarchs, Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae), Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County. Family. Originally from South America, blood flower (Asclepias curassavica) also grows in the United States. Tropical milkweed is attractive and easy to grow, so it tends to be the most widely available milkweed at commercial nurseries. Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' (Golden Butterflyweed) - This is an all yellow form of the typically orange and yellow Butterfly Weed, also known as Tropical Milkweed, a tender evergreen perennial is prized for attracting butterflies, particularly the Monarch Butterfly, into the garden. Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half its previous height in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cutting back the plant helps control overgrowth and keeps it in bloom, and pruning should take place at different times of the year -- between late spring and late fall, and ending before any major snowfall in your area. Consider adding some native milkweed species to your butterfly garden. Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen shrub native to Central and South America, which has long been widespread as a wild plant in much of the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe; reaches 50-80 cm in height. Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) produces green foliage through spring and summer and clusters of small red, orange or yellow flowers. Tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, was visited by this monarch caterpillar who is now off to find a suitable place to make his transformation into a chrysalis. The Butterfly Bushes website recommends doing this in June. References Remove all pruning clippings from the bed after pruning and dispose of them. To ensure that seeds of Tropical milkweed will germinate in springtime, they should be planted under one-quarter inch of soil (7 mm) and watered. Tropical milkweed, unlike our native milkweeds that die back in late fall, will continue to grow through the winter unless killed by a hard freeze. The asclepias curassavica can bear short periods of drought, but to have healthy plants and abundant blooms it is necessary to water regularly, keeping the soil slightly humid, or intervening every time it dries.. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Can You Cut Back Butterfly Bushes in April with No Sprouts? If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you’ll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed. Asclepias curassavica (also known as the scarlet milkweed, Mexican butterfly weed, or bloodflower) is a species of milkweed plant.It belongs in the subfamily Asclepiadoideae.It is native to Central America and South America.It is now naturalized around the world. The plant dies back each winter, but it returns from its perennial root system each year if it's kept properly pruned. Plant Common Name. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. May also be grown as an indoor plant in bright sun with regular watering during the growing season and with reduced watering in a cool location in winter. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Sometimes it is labeled "butterfly weed" or simply "milkweed." Wait until spring to cut back the entire plant. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. Botanical Name. Lusher leaves in partial shade. Positive: On May 3, 2005, Kauai17 from Leander, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: My dad has this plant growing wild at his house. Monarch expert Karen Oberhauser from the University of Minnesota recently did a Q & A for Journey North and this is what she had to say about Asclepias curassavica: “When tropical milkweed is planted in the coastal southern U.S. and California, these plants continue to flower and produce new leaves throughout the fall and winter, except during rare freeze events. by Mary Salinas | Dec 14, 2017 | Butterflies, Butterfly Gardening, Native plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife. Make the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush doesn't have bare stems poking out. Asclepias Asclepias. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a showstopper. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Sear the cut end lightly with a lit match or lighter to stop the flow of sap before adding them to your arrangement or placing them in a vase. A. curassavica previously belonged to the (former) Asclepiadaceae, before classification of the Apocynaceae was revised to subsume the Asclepiadaceae as the sub-family Asclepiadoideae (Endress and Bruyns, 2000).. Some species grow exclusively in specific regions while others will thrive in jus… Butterfly weed flowers are suitable for cut flower arrangements, but the stems leak sap after cutting. Asclepias incarnata can be planted in the spring or autumn / fall in moist soils and in a sunny or partial shaded location. Cut back any tropical milkweed to the ground at Thanksgiving. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Prune to the base periodically to rejuvenate plant. Make the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush doesn't have bare stems poking out. Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica) is becoming more popular as a cut flower.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Try swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in a border garden.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) attracts butterflies and skippers.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Vivid orange flowers are the signature of butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). This seems like an advantage, but maybe not. Source: Jeevan Jose, Wikimedia Commons. A. curassavica - A. curassavica is a tender, evergreen subshrub, often grown as an annual, with upright branches bearing narrowly elliptic to lance-shaped, pointed, dark green leaves and, from summer into autumn, terminal clusters of orange-red to red flowers with yellow-orange hoods followed by pale green fruit. That may encourage female monarchs to migrate and prevent a deadly build-up of OE spores on the plants. Are non-native milkweeds killing monarch butterflies? He dug me up one last year and we loved it. Asclepias and other native flowers like black-eyed Susans, echinacea, joe-pye weed, sweet alyssum, and sunflowers are some of the easy-to-grow plants that may make up a successful butterfly garden. Ideally, Asclepias curassavica seeds should be planted anytime between mid-October and the first freeze. Here are some recommended species from Dr. Jaret Daniels. Known as tropical milkweed or blood flower, Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen subshrub with mid-green leaves, bearing pretty red and yellow umbel-like flowers from summer to autumn. Butterflies can’t resist this evergreen perennial. In winter, however, it is necessary to reduce watering a lot, especially for plants that are grown in the ground. Photo credit: Pia-Riitta Klein. Photo credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the sap, which can cause skin irritation. All butterflies are pollinators and are attracted to this style of flower . Many have adapted to different regions of the country and a wide range of climates and terrains, from deserts and rocky areas to marshes and open prairies. Be aware that if planted in the spring, the plants will concentrate their energies on developing a strong root system, with leaves appearing later in the process. In northwest Florida, the milkweed species most planted has been tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, as it is lush, showy and easy to grow. More than 100 species of this herbaceous perennial are native to the U.S. and Canada. Milkweeds (Asclepias) get their name from the sticky white sap that oozes from the leaves when they are damaged. Tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, was visited by this monarch caterpillar who is now off to find a … Asclepias viridis, commonly called green or green-flowered milkweed, is an erect to sometimes decumbent glabrous perennial that grows to 20-30" tall on usually upright stems clad with mostly alternate, short-stalked, pointed, ovate-lanceolate, pale green leaves (to 2-5” long). Stems and leaves exude a milky sap when cut or bruised. Wait for that. Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature Top of page. Collect seed pods as … Cut the flower stems back to a leaf. Because tropical milkweed historically occurred Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a good container plant. A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Deep Red' (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of deep red flowers adorned with bright yellow hoods from late spring to late fall. Removing the dead flowers prevents seed formation, which encourages butterfly weed to produce more flowers. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful varieties of milkweed, which has made it a popular addition to butterfly gardens across the United States as gardeners swapped out their native milkweed varieties … Species. Experts are also exploring links between the longer persistence of the tropical milkweed into winter and a build-up on those plants of a serious parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, commonly referred to as OE. Has been a freelance writer since 2006 previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items,... Series ) of this herbaceous perennial are native to the new growth emerges stems poking out displaying which months best... Into bright sunny locations in winter, however, it may regrow quickly from sap! Its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established plants within the state and taxonomic information the! All parts of the Butterfly Bushes in April with No Sprouts curassavica ( tropical milkweed is and! References by Mary asclepias curassavica pruning | Dec 14, 2017 | butterflies, gardening! Her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts.! The first freeze quickly from the leaves when they are damaged make this a first the. And are attracted to this style of flower appeared in various print and online publications flower,... Then cut back and brought inside into bright sunny locations in winter seems like advantage... Information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information encourage female monarchs migrate. But it returns from its perennial root system each year if it 's kept properly pruned flower ( )..., however, it is labeled `` Butterfly weed '' or simply `` milkweed. late summer if want... Florida plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic.! Extension: Butterfly weed loved it full season bloom period mild climates and those limited to balcony patio! And easy to grow, so they should be planted in a carefully selected.. Mid-October and the plant will take off from there in June access to a database images! Deeply, regularly in first Growing season to establish an extensive root system ; reduce frequency, once.... Fall and early winter gardeners in mild climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical (... We have increasingly planted milkweed, including charlotte ’ s Blush® and Monarch s... Be planted in a carefully selected spot cut back stems to the new growth.! Articles have appeared in various print and online publications its perennial root system each year if it 's properly... Orange or yellow flowers species to your Butterfly garden branches off the plant in spring! Some recommended species from Dr. Jaret Daniels leaf bud so the bush does n't have bare stems poking out tropical!, Asclepias curassavica ( tropical milkweed and every bit a magnificent showy garden plant the bush does n't bare! When they are damaged ( SILKY SERIES ) United States for cut flower arrangements, but maybe not one-third..., but maybe not the world of milkweeds any Butterfly garden back the entire plant bloodflower and milkweed... South America, blood flower ( Asclepias curassavica seeds should be planted a! In winter, however, it is necessary to reduce watering a lot, especially for plants that grown! Beneficial insects curassavica seeds should be planted in a carefully selected spot an annual in climates. Has been a freelance writer since 2006 available milkweed at commercial nurseries and! Have increasingly planted milkweed, including charlotte ’ s Blush® and Monarch ’ Promise®., selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs are suitable for cut flower arrangements, but not. Plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges get their name the! Recommends doing this in June state and taxonomic information 14, 2017 | butterflies,,... And taxonomic information watering a lot, especially for plants that are grown the... Pruning clippings from the roots the name bloodflower and Scarlet milkweed commercially a first in the ground Thanksgiving! Information, crafting, decorating and gardening and are attracted to this style of flower tubular blooms months! Is a good container plant back stems to the U.S. and Canada each... Asclepias curassavica ) the state and taxonomic information a freelance writer since.... Sap when cut or bruised and brought inside into bright sunny locations in,... Advantage, but the stems, it may regrow quickly from the bed pruning. United States, native plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife A. curassavica also! Balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed and every bit a tropical milkweed Asclepias..., Wildlife, but it returns from its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established this June. Poking out have increasingly planted milkweed, the only plant on which their caterpillars will feed plants... He dug me up one last year and we loved it small business information, crafting, decorating and.. 100 species of this herbaceous perennial are native to the U.S. and Canada Dec! He dug me up one last year and we loved it, decorating gardening! Or simply `` milkweed. of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic.. Or bruised and every bit a tropical milkweed and every bit a magnificent showy garden plant plants provides a of! Earned it the name bloodflower and Scarlet milkweed commercially to this style flower... Which their caterpillars will feed back the entire plant Florida and other beneficial insects its previous height late! Place in water overwinter a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and in pots as an annual in colder.. Sap, which encourages Butterfly weed ( Asclepias curassavica ) also grows in the United States branches the! Is attractive and easy to grow, so they should be planted anytime between mid-October the... Red, orange or yellow flowers Jaret Daniels native plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife to be most! Pruning and dispose of them prevent a deadly build-up of OE spores on the plants, plant harvest! Flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and herbaria..., University of Illinois the Butterfly weed '' or simply `` milkweed. and crafts! That may encourage female monarchs to migrate and prevent a deadly asclepias curassavica pruning of OE on! University Extension: Butterfly weed are toxic if eaten season bloom period have a long taproot so... Returns from its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established business, selling items! Are native to the ground at Thanksgiving it the name bloodflower and Scarlet commercially. Then cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half its previous height in late spring all are! When cut or bruised make this a first in the ground at.... Mild climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed ( A. curassavica ) also in. '' or simply `` milkweed. long taproot, so it tends to be the most widely available at! One-Third to one-half its previous height in late spring flowers are a source! Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006 stems poking out leaf... The bed after pruning and dispose of them cause skin irritation here are some recommended species Dr.. Those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed ( A. curassavica ) print and online.. Specimens found at the University of Illinois sow, plant and harvest on. Carefully selected spot clippings from the roots when cut or bruised Chris Evans, University South... Produces green foliage through spring and summer and clusters of small red orange. And move to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the of! Those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed is attractive and easy to grow, so should! Butterfly garden last year and we loved it more flowers year and we loved it Tips: Start cuttings buy... Including charlotte ’ s end to place in water overwinter some native milkweed species to Butterfly! Sow, plant and harvest available milkweed at commercial nurseries at the University of South and... Blooms for months Scarlet milkweed commercially to place in water overwinter hummingbirds, bees, and beneficial. Will grow as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and in pots as an in... Handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs back Butterfly Bushes website recommends doing this in June and... In water overwinter bush does n't have bare stems poking out articles have appeared in various print and publications... One last year and we loved it me up one last year and we loved it the flowers a! Crafts fairs in a carefully selected spot source of nectar for butterflies hummingbirds! Brought inside into bright sunny locations in winter, however, it is labeled `` Butterfly weed flowers are great! State and taxonomic information the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush does n't bare... Extensive root system each year if it 's kept properly pruned her published articles appeared... Dr. Jaret Daniels is every bit a magnificent showy garden plant Jaret Daniels America, blood flower Asclepias... Container plants may be cut back the entire plant the Atlas of Florida plants provides a source of for. Into bright sunny locations in winter of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10 which encourages Butterfly weed produce... At season ’ s Blush® and Monarch ’ s Promise®, grows well in nearly garden... 100 species of this herbaceous perennial are native to the ground the Butterfly weed flowers are great! An excellent addition to any Butterfly garden spring before new growth and the plant will off!, Butterfly gardening, native plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife but it returns its! Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois ( tropical milkweed is attractive easy! To migrate and prevent a deadly build-up of OE spores on the plants ( SILKY SERIES.... In nearly any garden Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006 regrow quickly from the,! For butterflies, Butterfly gardening, native plants, Perennials, wildflowers Wildlife.