Asclepias tuberosa (milkweed) is a native North American perennial celebrated for its clusters of brilliant orange to golden-orange flowers that bloom from early summer through early fall. Compact and hardy, this milkweed species brings vibrant color and essential ecological value to gardens, attracting monarch butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds in abundance. Drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and deer-resistant
Botanical name: Asclepias tuberosa
Form: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Flower Color: Orange
Foliage Type: Narrow, lanceolate leaves that are smooth and slightly hairy
Bloom time: June-September
Height: 36 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Light requirements: Full sun
Plant depth: 1 inch of soil over top of root crown
See "Growing Tips" for more detailed instructions
Form: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Flower Color: Orange
Foliage Type: Narrow, lanceolate leaves that are smooth and slightly hairy
Bloom time: June-September
Height: 36 inches
Spread: 24 inches
Light requirements: Full sun
Plant depth: 1 inch of soil over top of root crown
See "Growing Tips" for more detailed instructions
Tips and Growing Instructions
Visit our How-To Cultivation Library for more growing tips.
Light: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily)
Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor, dry soil
Water: Water regularly during establishment, then only in prolonged droughts
Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
Do not overwater; Asclepias tuberosa dislikes wet or heavy clay soil. Once planted, avoid transplanting—its deep taproot makes it difficult to move. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering or leave seed pods to naturalize. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring to encourage new growth. Allow seed pods to mature if you want to support Monarch populations or propagate naturally.
Shipping
Sorry, we do not ship outside the U.S. or to Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions.
We guarantee safe arrival of healthy bulbs, that varieties will be true-to-name, and will grow if planted as instructed, subject to the limitations described in our Shipping and Returns Policy.
We begin shipping our bulbs in mid-February through Spring. Despite what you may have heard, Spring planting of bulbs is not a bad thing, and in fact, there are many advantages to planting in Spring. Visit our Spring Planting page to learn more. Upon arriving, your bulbs and most of your perennials may show signs of growth such as green leaves and sprouts - this is okay and transportation during this time should not harm the plants.
All bulbs and perennials should be planted in your garden as soon as possible to ensure the best success. If you must delay planting, open the bags to permit air circulation and place them out of direct sunlight in a cool, well-ventilated room. Do not place the bulbs where they can freeze. If you have the space, storing the bulbs in the refrigerator is another excellent way to “hold them” prior to planting. If you choose this method of storing your bulbs, be sure not to store fruit with them, as this is detrimental to bulbs.
Plant outdoors when the ground is no longer frozen and the conditions have improved for your zone.
If you have any questions or concerns our customer service team would be glad to help you at any time. Please use our contact form, email us at support@lilypadbulbs.com, or call us at 458-802-6464.