Named for their toxic, milky sap, Milkweeds are a big group of perennials native to the Americas and also South Africa. They are important food sources for many butterflies, and most that we grow in our gardens are also essential food plants for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. If you grow milkweeds, it probably won’t be long before you see not only Monarch caterpillars but also new Monarch butterflies in your garden.

 

The most popular milkweeds for gardens include both cold-hardy and semi-tender perennials that may also be grown as annuals. They have showy clusters of waxy flowers in summer and fall that are followed by inflated seed pods containing silky seeds. Most milkweeds are easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil with only moderate watering, but they will look better in the garden with regular watering and fertilizing. The orange-flowered Asclepias tuberosa is the most widely grown in cold-winter climates, and there are also a number of other interesting choices for gardeners in milder climates.

 

TrackBack URI for this entry