Position – Full sun
Soil – Well-drained
Flowering Period – Summer and Autumn
Hardiness – Fully hardy to tender (dependent on variety)
Asclepias are evergreen or deciduous perennials or sub-shrubs. Simple, leathery leaves support clusters of impressive vibrant flowers that are filled with a copious volume of nectar during the summer and early autumn months. Paired fruits that contain seeds will often follow to create further interest. Asclepias are best suited to flower beds and borders within a wildflower meadow. You should expect to see Asclepias grow to an approximate height of 75-90cm (30-36”) and a spread of 30cm (12”). (DO NOT INGEST THE FRUITS OR ANY OTHER PART OF THIS PLANT AS IT MAY CAUSE A MILD STOMACH UPSET).
Asclepias are best planted outdoors (unless tender) in well-drained soil of sand, clay and loam within an acidic or alkaline PH balance. Space plants approximately 2 feet apart if planting in a row and dig a hole that is as deep as the root, covering it over and watering thoroughly to settle the soil in place. This will help to encourage a healthy development system for the root. Asclepias should be positioned in an area of full sun as this is where it will thrive best.
Asclepias require little care and maintenance during the active growth and beyond. You should not need to fertilise your plants as they can tolerate and will grow in poor quality soil. They can be difficult to contain as they like to spread out and so it may be necessary to remove the seed pods of spent flowers before they disperse.
It is possible to propagate Asclepias by seed, by division or root cuttings during the spring time.
