Calotropis gigantea, commonly called crown flower or giant milkweed, is a plant in the milkweed family and typically grows to 8-15' tall. It is noted for its upright growth, pale purple or white crown-like flowers, and white wooly shoots and leaves. The attractive flowers appear in clusters throughout the year, but primarily in summer. The flowers are commonly used in Thailand weddings, and in Hawaii for leis.

This giant milkweed is an important larval plant for monarch butterflies, and an essential plant for the butterfly garden. Milkweed is the ONLY plant that the monarch caterpillar can eat. The flowers also attracts many other butterflies!

C. gigantea is reported to exhibit mosquito controlling properties.

Type: Quick growing shrub in warm regions, or annual plant in cooler regions

Location: Sun

Hardiness zones: 9-11 year round, or can be grown as annual in cooler regions

Height: 4m, 13' in warm climates, and up to 5' if grown as an annual. Plants can be overwintered indoors in pots.