Asclepias speciosa
"Showy Milkweed"

Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa Showy Milkweed

Much like 'Davis', this is the straight species that's native to much of the western half of the US. Just as stunning in bloom and pinker in color, the fragrant, starry bloom clusters 4" across top 3' upright, thick stems. Big smooth green, oval leaves instead of silvery ones. Will bring the Monarchs and their stunning caterpillars and chrysalises. Same care as 'Davis', needing very little to no Summer water once established, tolerating most soils including clayish. If happy, will form spreading clumps over time. Deer resistant!

Annie

USE OF BT UPDATE:
We are pleased to announce that the California Department of Agriculture has recently lifted its requirement that our nursery use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), as a naturally occurring biological insecticide (also commonly used on organically grown fruits and vegetables),  as control against LBAM (Light Brown Apple Moth) within the State of California.  As a result we are no longer using BT in our nursery.  Bt was known to be toxic to caterpillars, particularly the Monarch butterfly caterpillar, which is why we had always advised our customers to wait a growing season (or approximately one year) before introducing Monarch caterpillars to any Asclepia (Milkweed) plants  to ensure the plants are large enough to provide sufficient food and the BT has had time to wear off. 

Sun/Part Sun
Low/Avg. Water

CA Native Perennial
USDA zones 4-10