Overview
Asclepias douglasii is a plant with a perennial habit in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias douglasii grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens.
About
Asclepias douglasii is a perennial cultivar of the Asclepias genus, known for its deciduous foliage. It thrives best in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers well-drained loam soil with a neutral pH and is hardy to UK zone H4. Suitable for borders and wildlife gardens, it can be propagated by seed or division.
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
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias douglasii size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias douglasii
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- High
- Disease resistance
- High
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias douglasii?
Asclepias douglasii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias douglasii need?
Asclepias douglasii grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Asclepias douglasii hardy in the UK?
Asclepias douglasii 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 douglasii?
Seed, division.
