Asclepias speciosa “Showy Milkweed”

SKU N/A Category Native Plants

The Regal Showy Milkweed

Bold and statuesque, Asclepias speciosa, or showy milkweed, rises above the summer meadow like a monarch’s crown, its broad, velvety leaves cradling globes of fragrant, star-shaped blossoms. Each flower is a rosy-pink star tipped in soft cream, the clusters so plush and sculptural they could be mistaken for hand-crafted ornaments.

Native to western North America, this perennial milkweed is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for pollinators. Its nectar draws in a pageant of butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, while its foliage serves as the nursery for the monarch butterfly’s next generation. Unlike the delicate habit of Asclepias fascicularis, the showy milkweed is robust, standing tall with a commanding presence that makes it a natural focal point in pollinator gardens and prairie plantings.

Size

Clear

Description

🌿 Why ‘Showy Milkweed’ Steals the Spotlight

Monarch lifeline — host plant for caterpillars and nectar source for adults.
Ornamental beauty — large, globe-shaped flower clusters with rich pink hues.
Fragrant blooms — sweetly scented to attract a wide range of pollinators.
Drought and cold tolerant — thrives in a variety of climates.
Erosion control — strong roots help stabilize soil in naturalized plantings.

🌞 Care Guide for Garden Success

Light: Full sun for strongest flowering and stem structure.
Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils; tolerates clay with good drainage.
Watering: Moderate; drought-hardy after establishment.
Spacing: 18–24 inches apart for airflow and display.
Feeding: Unnecessary; prefers nutrient-lean soil.
Maintenance: Cut back in late fall; leave seed pods for wildlife or reseeding.
Wildlife Note: Contains cardiac glycosides — essential for monarch defense but toxic to livestock.