Forms unique fragrant flat-topped clusters of upturned rosy red flowers. Willow-like leaves are 4-5" long. Clump-forming; great for naturalizing. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The monarch butterflies need all the help we can give them—plant more milkweed!
Grows naturally in floodplains and wet meadows but seems to do well in drier spaces. Self-sows, but doesn’t take over like common milkweed. Plant 18-36" apart in moist soil. Native to North America. Z3. Maine Grown. (bare-root crowns)
Items from our perennial plants warehouse ordered
on or before March 7 will ship around March 26
through late April, starting with warmer areas and finishing in
colder areas. Orders placed after March 7 will
ship around late April through early-to-mid May, in the order in
which they were received.
ships in spring
This item is certified organic
7660
Swamp Red Milkweed
- Organic
Additional Information
Herbaceous Perennial Plants
When you receive your order, open the bags and check the stock immediately. Roots and crowns should be firm and pliable. Surface mold is harmless and will not affect the plant’s future performance. Store plants in their packaging in a cool (35–40°) location until you are ready to plant. If it’s going to be awhile, you can pot up your perennials.
Do not plant bare-root perennial plant crowns directly outdoors before danger of frost has passed. Wet and/or cold conditions for an extended period may cause rotting.
Planting Bare-root Perennials
After danger of freezing has passed:
Dig a hole 2 or 3 times bigger than the plant stock.
Add a little compost if needed.
Fan or spread out the roots to encourage root development.
Fill hole with soil, pressing out air pockets as you go.
Keep the planting area free of weeds.
Mulch around the crown with straw or wood chips.
Avoid applying mulch directly on top of crowns as they could rot.
Mark the location with a plant label.
Check your plants daily in the first 2 weeks after planting!
If you cannot plant right away, you have two options:
Store bags of bare-root plants in a dark and cool (35–40Ëš) place.
Pot up plants in well-drained slightly moist potting mix. Avoid coiling the roots in the bottom of undersized containers. Set pots in a protected spot in part-shade until you’re ready to plant.
You must protect your herbaceous perennials from:
Freezing
Sun-shock in the first 2 weeks
Long periods of cold and wet conditions
Too much or too little water
Absentee gardening!
Asclepias
Named for Asklepios, the Greek god of healing. Commonly known as Pleurisy Root, dried roots from the genus were traditionally used in small doses as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory and general tonic. Attracts all manner of bee and butterfly. Watch one of the miracles of summer unfold before your eyes as monarchs lay their eggs on the leaves—a nutritious food source for the resulting caterpillars.
This item is certified organic