Butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to your garden to feast on the sweet nectar of this easy-to-grow, heirloom perennial. Often called swamp milkweed, this species grows best in moist or wet soils, such as near a pond or stream, but the loosely-clumped plants also grow well in a garden with regular watering. Decorative seed pods are beautiful in dried arrangements. Sap is toxic; avoid eye/skin contact and do not ingest.

Family: Apocynaceae

Native: Eastern ⅔ of the U.S. and Canada

Hardiness: Perennial in USDA zones 3-6

Exposure: Full sun

Bloom Period: Summer

Plant Dimensions: 2'–4' tall on average but may reach as tall as 6'

Variety Info: Individual flowers ½" long, borne in pink or white clusters

Attributes: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Deer Resistant

When to Sow Outside: 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date, or in the fall for spring germination.

When to Start Inside: 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date.

Days to Emerge: 14–28 days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 16"–36"

Thinning: When 3" tall, thin to 1 every 16"–36"

Harvesting: For longest vase life, cut flowers when 1/2-2/3 of petals are open. Sear the stem end with a flame to prevent the sap from sealing the stem. Wear gloves; milkweed sap can cause skin and eye irritation and can be toxic if ingested.