ROSE MILKWEED
Asclepias incarnata
SKU: 103-010
Description
Asclepias incarnata, rose milkweed, swamp milkweed, rose milkflower, swamp silkweed, or Indian hemp, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to North America. It grows in damp to wet soils and also is cultivated as a garden plant for its flowers, which attract butterflies and other pollinators with nectar. Like most other milkweeds, it has sap containing toxic chemicals, a characteristic that repels insects and other herbivorous animals.
Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant. The plants bloom in early to mid-summer, producing small, pink-colored flowers in rounded umbels. The flower color may vary from darker s of purple to soft, pinkish purple and a white flowering form exists as well (these seeds are for the pink flowers). After blooming, green seed pods, approximately 12 centimetres (4.7 in) long, are produced that when ripe, split open. They then release light to dark brown, flat seeds that are attached to silver-white silky-hairs ideal for catching the wind. This natural mechanism for seed dispersal is similar to that used by other milkweed plants.
Swamp milkweed prefers moisture retentive to damp soils in full sun to partial and typically, is found growing wild near the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and low areas—or along ditches. It is one of the best attractors of the monarch butterfly, which feeds on the flowers and lays her eggs on the plants. The emerging caterpillars feed on the leaves.
This species is cultivated. They are used especially in gardens designed to attract butterflies. The nectar of the plant attracts many other species of butterflies and insects as well. The plants are also sold as freshly cut flowers, mostly for their long-lasting flower display, but sometimes, for the distinctive seed pods.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in)
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Swamp milkweed seed requires light for germination. Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
Description
Asclepias incarnata, rose milkweed, swamp milkweed, rose milkflower, swamp silkweed, or Indian hemp, is a herbaceous perennial plant species native to North America. It grows in damp to wet soils and also is cultivated as a garden plant for its flowers, which attract butterflies and other pollinators with nectar. Like most other milkweeds, it has sap containing toxic chemicals, a characteristic that repels insects and other herbivorous animals.
Swamp milkweed is an upright, 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in) tall plant. The plants bloom in early to mid-summer, producing small, pink-colored flowers in rounded umbels. The flower color may vary from darker s of purple to soft, pinkish purple and a white flowering form exists as well (these seeds are for the pink flowers). After blooming, green seed pods, approximately 12 centimetres (4.7 in) long, are produced that when ripe, split open. They then release light to dark brown, flat seeds that are attached to silver-white silky-hairs ideal for catching the wind. This natural mechanism for seed dispersal is similar to that used by other milkweed plants.
Swamp milkweed prefers moisture retentive to damp soils in full sun to partial and typically, is found growing wild near the edges of ponds, lakes, streams, and low areas—or along ditches. It is one of the best attractors of the monarch butterfly, which feeds on the flowers and lays her eggs on the plants. The emerging caterpillars feed on the leaves.
This species is cultivated. They are used especially in gardens designed to attract butterflies. The nectar of the plant attracts many other species of butterflies and insects as well. The plants are also sold as freshly cut flowers, mostly for their long-lasting flower display, but sometimes, for the distinctive seed pods.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 100 to 150 cm (39 to 59 in)
Location: Sun or part sun
Hardiness zones: 3-9
Note: Ornamental use only. These seeds and/or plants are poisonous.
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Swamp milkweed seed requires light for germination. Sow the seeds on the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
