Overview
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' is a bushy bulbs in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' is a bushy, deciduous herbaceous perennial belonging to the genus Asclepias, known for its unique clusters of small flowers arranged in umbels. This cultivar thrives in full sun on south- or west-facing, sheltered sites with fertile, moist but well-drained loam soil of neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal gardens, as well as flower borders and beds. Propagation can be achieved through seed, division, or root basal cuttings in spring, with interest primarily in spring and summer.
About the genus
Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. Most species are toxic to humans and many other species, primarily due to the presence of cardenolides. However, as with many such plants, some species feed upon milkweed leaves or the nectar from their flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Asclepias", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Asclepias
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing or West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'?
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' need?
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' hardy in the UK?
Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'?
Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings in spring.
