Asclepias incarnata 'Ice Ballet' Plant Care Reminders
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General Information
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Instruction By Rhonda Hayes Notes Swamp milkweed, Asclepias incarnate, "Ice Ballet" is a resilient, adaptable native plant for perennial gardens, butterfly gardens and rain gardens. This milkweed prefers medium to wet soils. It grows from 3-4 feet tall in part to full sun. The beautiful white flower clusters appear in June to July and continue until early fall. Swamp milkweed is a valuable larval plant host for the Monarch butterfly. Sunset Zones - 1
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Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
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Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
February1. Sow SeedsTo start by seed requires pre-chilling. Refrigerate for 3 weeks prior to sowing. Barely cover with soil.March1. BuyContainer grown Swamp Milkweed becomes available when garden center perennial stock appears.2. PlantSwamp milkweed can be planted when a light frost is expected, and then through spring to early summer.April1. PruneFor bushier plants, pinch tips of stems.May1. FertilizeSwamp milkweed requires little fertilizer, if any.June1. MulchMulch during these months to help to conserve soil moisture that swamp milkweed prefers.2. Pest/Disease InspectionWatch out for aphids. Otherwise swamp milkweed is relatively pest-free.July1. Treat for Pest/DiseaseDirect a strong hose spray towards aphids. You may want to use soapy water or horticultural soap is problem persists.2. PropagateDivision is not recommended due to delicate tap root.August1. TransplantTransplanting is not recommended due to the delicate tap root.2. Special requirementsSwamp milkweed can proliferate by seed, remove seed heads to avoid re-seeding problems. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
March
Container grown Swamp Milkweed becomes available when garden center perennial stock appears.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
March
Swamp milkweed can be planted when a light frost is expected, and then through spring to early summer.
Sow Seeds
When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?
February
To start by seed requires pre-chilling. Refrigerate for 3 weeks prior to sowing. Barely cover with soil.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
May
Swamp milkweed requires little fertilizer, if any.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
April
For bushier plants, pinch tips of stems.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
June
Mulch during these months to help to conserve soil moisture that swamp milkweed prefers.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
June
Watch out for aphids. Otherwise swamp milkweed is relatively pest-free.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
July
Direct a strong hose spray towards aphids. You may want to use soapy water or horticultural soap is problem persists.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
August
Transplanting is not recommended due to the delicate tap root.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
July
Division is not recommended due to delicate tap root.
Special requirements
Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?
August
Swamp milkweed can proliferate by seed, remove seed heads to avoid re-seeding problems.