About
Asclepias incarnata is a robust perennial characterized by sturdy stems and slender, mid-green foliage that can reach lengths of 15 cm. From mid-summer to early autumn, the plant bears clusters of dark purplish-pink blooms at the top of the stems. After flowering, it develops narrow, upright seed pods measuring up to 7 cm in length, which start green and gradually mature to a pale brown before splitting open to disperse seeds equipped with fine hairs.
About the genus
Asclepias consists of either evergreen or deciduous perennials and subshrubs. They feature simple, entire leaves and bear clusters of small flowers that have a unique shape, arranged in an umbel formation. After flowering, they produce paired fruits that contain seeds enveloped in silky fibers.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- North America
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow outdoors in moist, fertile, loamy soil in full sun. Will thrive near a pond or stream
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division, or root basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free