Overview
Asclepias syriaca is a bushy bulbs in the genus Asclepias, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Asclepias syriaca grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
Asclepias syriaca, commonly called common milkweed, butterfly flower, silkweed, silky swallow-wort, and Virginia silkweed, is a species of flowering plant. It is native to southern Canada and much of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, excluding the drier parts of the prairies. It is in the genus Asclepias, the milkweeds. It grows in sandy soils as well as other kinds of soils in sunny areas. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Asclepias syriaca
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, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Asclepias syriaca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Asclepias syriaca
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or by division, or 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 syriaca?
Asclepias syriaca prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Asclepias syriaca need?
Asclepias syriaca 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 to poorly-drained.
Is Asclepias syriaca hardy in the UK?
Asclepias syriaca 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 syriaca?
Propagate by seed or by division, or root basal cuttings in spring.
