Asclepias species are the milkweeds. Native to America they are well adapted to many soil types. Best known as the host plant for monarch butterflies, the milkweeds have gained a lot of attention lately and efforts across the country to reestablish lost habitat to help save the declining monarch population is taking the front stage for gardeners, butterfly enthusiasts, and conservationists. Butterfly milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, is the most popular of Asclepias species with bright orange to yellow-orange flowers on upright stems growing 1 to 3 feet tall. In fact, butterfly milkweed has been named the Perennial of the Year in 2017 by the Perennial Plant Association. Milkweeds in general grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun and are very drought tolerant and have no serious pest problems. Grow in native plant gardens, wild gardens, meadows, naturalized areas, perennial borders, and cottage style gardens.

Exposure: Sun, part shade
Soil: Tolerates about any soil
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4-10