Red milkweed (Asclepias rubra)

Red milkweed

Red milkweed (*Asclepias rubra*) is an attractive marsh dweller, sprouting umbrella-shaped clusters of pink to purple blooms in the spring and summer. The herbaceous perennial is a primary food source for monarch butterfly larvae. However, it is poisonous when consumed by pets and livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Red milkweed (Asclepias rubra)

Gentians, dogbanes, madders, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Pink, Purple, Red, Lavender

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Red milkweed

Quickly Identify Red milkweed

Vibrant pink to purple flower clusters

Tubular flowers in terminal and axillary clusters

Elongated, splitting seed pods with silky hairs

Pointed, lanceolate leaves with fine hairs on margins

Smooth to slightly hairy, erect stem with milky sap

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Care Guide for Red milkweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Red milkweed flourishes in environments with balanced moisture, thriving in consistently moist soil without waterlogging. Weekly watering is essential to maintain this balance. Preferring outdoor conditions, red milkweed aligns its growth cycle with seasonal precipitation trends.

Fertilize: Fertilize red milkweed with balanced nutrients in early spring; switch to high-phosphorus during blooming. Apply every 3-4 weeks at half-strength to prevent root burn. Avoid late summer fertilization. Incorporate compost annually and adjust based on red milkweed's response for optimal health and blooms.

Pruning: Red milkweed boasts vibrant blooms and attracts pollinators. Prune in early to late spring by removing dead or weak stems to promote growth and flowering. Make cuts above healthy leaf buds to improve size, air circulation, and overall vitality.

Propagation: Red milkweed propagates via sowing high-quality seeds, often requiring stratification. Surface sow on moistened soil, keeping it consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure adequate sunlight and warmth for germination. Slow initial growth is typical, but with care, young plants will thrive.

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