Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Asclepias tuberosa, affectionately called butterfly weed, bursts onto the botanical scene with the irresistible allure of a flower-shaped neon sign flashing free nectar to every winged wayfarer in search of a sip. With its vibrant clusters of orange and yellow fireworks, the bloom beckons butterflies and other pollinators.
Don't be fooled by the name weed creeping into its common moniker; this plant is no garden gatecrasher. Indeed, Asclepias tuberosa prides itself on being every gardener's dream date: astonishingly attractive, remarkably resilient, and doesn't mind if you forget to call (or water) regularly.
Butterfly weed turns any patch into a zoological tapestry, teeming with nature's busiest pollinators—who knew conservation could be so effortlessly stylish? Whether you're aiming to spark up a monarch butterfly romance or just turn your garden into the it-spot for the six-legged set, Asclepias tuberosa hits the sweet spot, outshining its floral companions like a sunbeam in sequins.
Bring a warm, zingy summer glow to the garden with the frothy orange blooms of Asclepias tuberosa. Commonly named butterfly weed, the flat-topped clusters of nectar-rich flowers are frequented by pollinators of all kinds. The lava tone makes this a fittingly fiery addition to any hot-themed planting scheme, or they can create an eye-popping contrast with neighbouring plants with purple or blue blooms. You’ll enjoy an impressively long and vibrant flowering period which lasts from midsummer to autumn, and then further interest as flowering is followed by curious pointed seedpods which burst with fluffy seeds!
The stems of Asclepias tuberosa are fairly tall, reaching 75-90cm, and they also have a long vase life. Both features make this a favourite with florists, but wear gloves when handling as this plant can be irritant. These resilient perennials can tolerate winter temperatures down to -10°C and will grow back each year with minimal fuss, each time they will grow from a more established clump. Butterfly weed is well suited for growing in sunny borders with free draining soil and also patio containers.
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Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
- Asclepias tuberosa
- Flower colour
- Orange, yellow
- Established height
- 50cm-1m
- Established spread
- 10-50cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 10 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Damp
- Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Water gardens
Cottage gardens
Low maintenance gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Perfect for pots
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Low maintenance
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Asclepias tuberosa reviews
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