About
This perennial plant, reaching heights of approximately 1.2 meters, features narrow, lanceolate leaves that are dark green in color. From midsummer through autumn, it produces clusters of small, aromatic white flowers on robust stems. After flowering, the plant develops seed pods that split open, dispersing silky seeds.
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
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Fragrance
- Flower
- 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