Overview
Asclepias incarnata is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Asclepias incarnata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It is native to Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois and Indiana.
About
Asclepias incarnata, the swamp milkweed, rose milkweed, rose milkflower, swamp silkweed, or white Indian hemp, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to North America. It grows in damp through wet soils and also is cultivated as a garden plant for its flowers, which attract butterflies and other pollinators with nectar.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias incarnata
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
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained or Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias incarnata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana
- Fragrance
- Mildly fragrant flowers
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested; contains cardiac glycosides
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias incarnata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, rich soil and full sun; tolerates wet conditions; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Asclepias incarnata?
Prefers moist, rich soil and full sun; tolerates wet conditions; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Asclepias incarnata?
Asclepias incarnata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias incarnata need?
Asclepias incarnata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained or poorly-drained.
How do I prune Asclepias incarnata?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth.
How big does Asclepias incarnata grow?
Asclepias incarnata reaches a height of 1.2 m.
Is Asclepias incarnata hardy in the UK?
Asclepias incarnata 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 incarnata?
Seed, Division, Root basal cuttings in spring.
Is Asclepias incarnata toxic?
Toxic if ingested; contains cardiac glycosides.
