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Asclepias tuberosa
butterfly weed
Bright clusters of fiery orange blooms make this perennial a standout choice for summer displays. Flowering from midsummer through to...
9cm pot
available to order from autumn
3 × 9cm pots
available to order from autumn
1
Delivery options
Plant description
Bright clusters of fiery orange blooms make this perennial a standout choice for summer displays. Flowering from midsummer through to early autumn, it produces nectar-rich blossoms that draw in butterflies, bees, and other pollinators in abundance. As blooms fade, slender pods develop, adding structure and late-season interest.
Native to North America, Asclepias tuberosa has exceptional wildlife value, especially for butterflies. Its upright stems are topped with bead-like buds that open in succession, providing colour for many weeks. The cut flowers hold well in a vase, offering a vivid splash indoors as well as outside.
Tough and low-maintenance, it thrives in well-drained soils and sun-drenched positions. Ideal for borders, meadows, and wildlife-friendly plantings, this hardy perennial will reward with long-lasting colour.
Native to North America, Asclepias tuberosa has exceptional wildlife value, especially for butterflies. Its upright stems are topped with bead-like buds that open in succession, providing colour for many weeks. The cut flowers hold well in a vase, offering a vivid splash indoors as well as outside.
Tough and low-maintenance, it thrives in well-drained soils and sun-drenched positions. Ideal for borders, meadows, and wildlife-friendly plantings, this hardy perennial will reward with long-lasting colour.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained soil, or general-purpose loam-based potting compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Asclepias tuberosa:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil, as it dislikes heavy, wet ground. It thrives in poorer soils, making it ideal for wildlife-friendly borders, meadows, and gravel gardens. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots develop deeply. Avoid over-fertilising, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Mulching is optional but can help conserve moisture in very dry sites.
Prune back stems in late autumn after flowering and seed production, or leave them over winter for wildlife interest before cutting back in spring. Remove spent blooms during summer to extend flowering and reduce self-seeding if desired.
Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots develop deeply. Avoid over-fertilising, as this encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Mulching is optional but can help conserve moisture in very dry sites.
Prune back stems in late autumn after flowering and seed production, or leave them over winter for wildlife interest before cutting back in spring. Remove spent blooms during summer to extend flowering and reduce self-seeding if desired.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
Warning
Humans: Harmful if eaten
