Asclepias tuberosa
TAXONOMY
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusAsclepias
Zone3
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a perennial plant native to North America. It belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is known for its bright orange flowers that attract butterflies, especially monarchs. The plant thrives in temperate climates and has a dormancy period during the winter months.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa f. tuberosa
Asclepias tuberosa var. tuberosa
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Butterfly Weed requires full sun and moderate temperatures to thrive. It prefers soil that dries out almost completely between waterings. The plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme cold.Soil
Asclepias tuberosa prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in moderately nutrient-rich soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-5. Fertilize the plant once in early spring and again in mid-summer to promote healthy growth and flowering.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Butterfly Weed as it is typically grown outdoors. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.Propagation
Propagate Asclepias tuberosa by seeds or root cuttings. The best time to propagate is in early spring. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.Pruning
Prune Butterfly Weed in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged stems. This encourages new growth and helps maintain the plant's shape. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote additional blooming.Toxicity
Asclepias tuberosa is generally non-toxic to pets and humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any potential issues.Additional
Butterfly Weed is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens and can help support local butterfly populations. It is drought-tolerant once established and can be used in xeriscaping.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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