Milkweed Orange

Asclepias tuberosa
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Low to moderate once established. Water deeply, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Water more regularly during establishment and prolonged extreme heat; avoid continually wet soil.
Size
1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets Humans & Livestock
Description
Orange milkweed, commonly called butterfly weed, is a North American perennial with vivid orange flower clusters. Assumed to be Asclepias tuberosa; the supplied name is misspelled and should be verified with the nursery.
Bloom Time
Late spring through summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Deciduous
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Flower Color
Orange
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden
Garden Style
Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Autumn sage, Blackfoot daisy, Blanket flower, Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon
Toxic — Pets Humans & Livestock
Mildly toxic to pets, livestock, and humans if ingested in quantity (cardiac glycosides); ASPCA lists milkweed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to light shade; in Phoenix, morning sun with afternoon shade helps reduce extreme summer heat stress. Avoid reflected heat from walls and pavement.

Water: Low to moderate once established. Water deeply, then allow soil to dry between waterings. Water more regularly during establishment and prolonged extreme heat; avoid continually wet soil.

Soil: Very well-drained sandy or gravelly soil. Tolerates lean soil; avoid heavy, poorly drained clay and excessive fertilizer.

Mature size: 1–3 feet tall and 1–2 feet wide.

Bloom: Late spring through summer, with flowering potentially slowing during Phoenix’s hottest weather.

Evergreen / deciduous: Herbaceous perennial; typically dies back in winter and returns in spring.

Growth rate: Moderate; may establish slowly while developing its deep root system.