Asclepias tuberosa
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.