Milkweed

Milkweed can grow 4 feet tall on a thin stem and produce green leaves that may get 8 inches.

Milkweed is most fragrant starting in late June and into August. One will spend more time containing the plant due to its root structure that grows beneath the surface so new pods can reach the top.

When stems and leaves are cut, a white sap oozes out. Flowers are commonly pink and purple but can vary by species.

Plant them 18 inches apart to avoid overcrowding and look for unwanted plants to prune. Removing seed pods will also slow their spread. Watering and fertilizing are not necessary. Only water if drought conditions are present. They prefer full sunlight and dry soil. They can even survive in damaged soil.

They are a significant food source for Monarch butterflies and some other species and host all stages of the monarch's life cycle. It entices people to grow butterfly gardens at home. Caterpillars will cover the plant to eat the leaves and then hang their chrysalises, mature, and hatch.

A close observer may see tiny caterpillars hatch from small eggs stuck to the plant's stem. To make a butterfly garden, plant at least six plants in a small patch with a nearby water source for the butterflies. The water can be in anything from a bowl to a birdbath. Refrain from using pesticides not to kill the butterflies. 

Each region in North America has a native species that grows best, yet all will thrive in each environment. 

Milkweed plants are also one of monarchs' and butterflies' favorite dishes.

Milkweed - A Vital Butterfly Garden Plant 

This perennial is an easy-to-grow plant that is ideal for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and natural attraction for butterflies. 

This plant is typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with shade here and there. This perennial usually appears in bunches of strong green stems that can grow up to 5 feet tall but typically 2 to 4 feet.

Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick and robust. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart.

Additionally, this plant requires no fertilizers and does well in less-than-perfect soil. Flower pods from the milkweed grow from the top of the plant and usually are found in small groups producing many flowers at once.

The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink and let off a lovely sweet scent. Fruit pods also grow on the milkweed.

They are about 4 inches long and shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing. The pods start green and, as they mature, will turn brown. At this stage, milkweed can be used for flower arrangements.

Once they dry completely, they will split open. Finally, milkweed is an ideal and vital plant for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same plant. 

Milkweed is a Beneficial Conversation Perennial 

This perennial is standard across the United States. Their flowers are distinctive in shape and color. Dark green leaves on tall stiff stems highlight the orange, pink, white or yellow flowers of the Asclepias family. Their tall stems mix well with other tall garden flowers.

Their solid colors and decorative flowers make great ornamental cut flowers. The sap of this perennial is white and sticky. 

Milkweed attracts native bees and honeybees and several species of butterflies and hummingbirds. Colorful Monarch butterfly larvae feed on the leaves, each developing into a beautiful chrysalis. Watch them hatch into delicate monarch butterflies.

Milkweed is Beautiful Attractants to Honeybees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds

These plants can spread to the ground by rhizomes which can quickly crowd out other plants. When one breaks the stem, it will let out a milky-like sap. This perennial would make a lovely addition to any landscape. The seeds will spread by the wind catching them and carrying them off.

This plant will attract butterflies to your area, and the monarch will usually lay their eggs on it. Once the caterpillars come out, they will feed on the leaves—no need to fertilize as they grow in the soil's poorest.

If you want to prevent the seed from spreading, you will want to remove the pods before they open or have seeds growing everywhere. This perennial has a juicy flavor that you can use for food or wildlife animals.

Milkweed is For Sale at Tennessee Wholesale Nursery with Fast Shipping and Low Rates