Asclepias tuberosa

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.