All parts of the butterfly weed are toxic if eaten. A. curassavica - A. curassavica is a tender, evergreen subshrub, often grown as an annual, with upright branches bearing narrowly elliptic to lance-shaped, pointed, dark green leaves and, from summer into autumn, terminal clusters of orange-red to red flowers with yellow-orange hoods followed by pale green fruit. Botanical Name. Tropical Growing Tips: Start cuttings or buy plants for full season bloom period. Cut back any tropical milkweed to the ground at Thanksgiving. That may encourage female monarchs to migrate and prevent a deadly build-up of OE spores on the plants. It produces bunches of orange, yellow, and red tubular blooms for months. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Monarch expert Karen Oberhauser from the University of Minnesota recently did a Q & A for Journey North and this is what she had to say about Asclepias curassavica: “When tropical milkweed is planted in the coastal southern U.S. and California, these plants continue to flower and produce new leaves throughout the fall and winter, except during rare freeze events. Many have adapted to different regions of the country and a wide range of climates and terrains, from deserts and rocky areas to marshes and open prairies. Removing the dead flowers prevents seed formation, which encourages butterfly weed to produce more flowers. If the milkweed is a perennial, like Asclepias curassavica (tropical milkweed) pictured above, you’ll notice tiny leaves growing from the base of the plant at some point after the upper stems have been consumed. Source: Jeevan Jose, Wikimedia Commons. Positive: On May 3, 2005, Kauai17 from Leander, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: My dad has this plant growing wild at his house. see more; Family Apocynaceae . In northwest Florida, the milkweed species most planted has been tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, as it is lush, showy and easy to grow. Wait for that. Swamp Milkweed, Asclepias incarnata. Consider adding some native milkweed species to your butterfly garden. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half its previous height in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. The asclepias curassavica can bear short periods of drought, but to have healthy plants and abundant blooms it is necessary to water regularly, keeping the soil slightly humid, or intervening every time it dries.. Prune off the seed pods in late fall or early winter if you don't want the butterfly weed to self-seed, or just to improve the garden's appearance. Variegated leaves and seed pods make this a first in the world of milkweeds. Bloodflower, Scarlet Milkweed, Silky Scarlet Milkweed. Are non-native milkweeds killing monarch butterflies? Tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, was visited by this monarch caterpillar who is now off to find a suitable place to make his transformation into a chrysalis. Remove all pruning clippings from the bed after pruning and dispose of them. In northwest Florida, the milkweed species most planted has been tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, as it is lush, showy and easy to grow. Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of orange-red flowers adorned with yellow hoods from early summer to fall. Cut the flower stems back to a leaf. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands from the sap, which can cause skin irritation. ASCLEPIAS curassavica 'Silky Scarlet'( SILKY SERIES) . Tropical milkweed responds well to pruning and fertilizer. Asclepias incarnata can be planted in the spring or autumn / fall in moist soils and in a sunny or partial shaded location. Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen shrub native to Central and South America, which has long been widespread as a wild plant in much of the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe; reaches 50-80 cm in height. The colorful flowers earned it the name bloodflower and scarlet milkweed commercially. He dug me up one last year and we loved it. Genus Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres . Stop deadheading in late summer if you want decorative seed pods on the plants in fall and early winter. The website also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University of South Florida and other herbaria. Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica) is becoming more popular as a cut flower.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Try swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) in a border garden.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) attracts butterflies and skippers.Photo Credit: Mark Fishbein Vivid orange flowers are the signature of butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Bloodflower plants have a long taproot, so they should be planted in a carefully selected spot. Asclepias curassavica (also known as the scarlet milkweed, Mexican butterfly weed, or bloodflower) is a species of milkweed plant.It belongs in the subfamily Asclepiadoideae.It is native to Central America and South America.It is now naturalized around the world. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Bloodflower, Swallow-wort, Butterfly Weed, Mexican Milkweed, Scarlet Milkweed Asclepias curassavica is Naturalized in Texas and other States, and is a magnet for butterflies. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Wipe the pruning shears with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to disinfect them before pruning, and then wipe them again when moving between plants. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. Genus Asclepias can be evergreen or deciduous perennials or subshrubs, with simple, entire leaves and umbel-like clusters of small, distinctively shaped flowers followed by paired fruits containing seeds embedded in silky fibres Make the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush doesn't have bare stems poking out. Experts are also exploring links between the longer persistence of the tropical milkweed into winter and a build-up on those plants of a serious parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, commonly referred to as OE. Photo credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois. This seems like an advantage, but maybe not. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) has a natural range that extends as far north as Mexico, but this plant is not native to the United States or Canada. Here are some recommended species from Dr. Jaret Daniels. Cornell University Extension: Butterfly Weed, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Deadheading or Trimming Butterfly Weed. Family. The Butterfly Bushes website recommends doing this in June. Asclepias Asclepias. Because tropical milkweed historically occurred To ensure that seeds of Tropical milkweed will germinate in springtime, they should be planted under one-quarter inch of soil (7 mm) and watered. Known as tropical milkweed or blood flower, Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen subshrub with mid-green leaves, bearing pretty red and yellow umbel-like flowers from summer to autumn. Tropical milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, was visited by this monarch caterpillar who is now off to find a … More than 100 species of this herbaceous perennial are native to the U.S. and Canada. It gets flowers from spring to fall. Asclepias curassavica is an evergreen shrub native to Central and South America, which has long been widespread as a wild plant in most of the tropical and subtropical areas of the globe; reaches 50-80 cm in … © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Wait until spring to cut back the entire plant. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Then cut back stems to the new growth and the plant will take off from there. Remove all pruning clippings from the bed after pruning and dispose of them. Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed)Asclepias crassavica is an excellent addition to any Butterfly garden. Can You Cut Back Butterfly Bushes in April with No Sprouts? by Mary Salinas | Dec 14, 2017 | Butterflies, Butterfly Gardening, Native plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife. Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Gold' (Golden Butterflyweed) - This is an all yellow form of the typically orange and yellow Butterfly Weed, also known as Tropical Milkweed, a tender evergreen perennial is prized for attracting butterflies, particularly the Monarch Butterfly, into the garden. Milkweeds (Asclepias) get their name from the sticky white sap that oozes from the leaves when they are damaged. To help them, we have increasingly planted milkweed, the only plant on which their caterpillars will feed. We have grown to love monarch butterflies, with their striking orange and black markings and their fascinating annual migration from southern Canada 3,000 miles south to Mexico. A. curassavica previously belonged to the (former) Asclepiadaceae, before classification of the Apocynaceae was revised to subsume the Asclepiadaceae as the sub-family Asclepiadoideae (Endress and Bruyns, 2000).. Charlotte’s Blush® is every bit a tropical milkweed and every bit a magnificent showy garden plant. Collect seed pods as … Step 1 Cut dead branches off the plant in late spring. References Asclepias and other native flowers like black-eyed Susans, echinacea, joe-pye weed, sweet alyssum, and sunflowers are some of the easy-to-grow plants that may make up a successful butterfly garden. The bloodflower, or Asclepias curassavica, is a tropical milkweed that is native to the American tropics, which includes the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Stems and leaves exude a milky sap when cut or bruised. In winter, however, it is necessary to reduce watering a lot, especially for plants that are grown in the ground. General Description. Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Deep Red' (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of deep red flowers adorned with bright yellow hoods from late spring to late fall. Even if the cold kills the stems, it may regrow quickly from the roots. Plant Common Name. Container plants may be cut back and brought inside into bright sunny locations in winter. Asclepias curassavica is described by NatureServe as a "widespread species, ranging from southern North America through Central America and into South America." The plant dies back each winter, but it returns from its perennial root system each year if it's kept properly pruned. Species. Sometimes it is labeled "butterfly weed" or simply "milkweed." Photo credit: Pia-Riitta Klein. Ideally, Asclepias curassavica seeds should be planted anytime between mid-October and the first freeze. Butterfly weed flowers are suitable for cut flower arrangements, but the stems leak sap after cutting. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a good container plant. In harsh winter areas below zone 8, grow in containers and move to a sunny indoor spot before first frost. May also be grown as an indoor plant in bright sun with regular watering during the growing season and with reduced watering in a cool location in winter. Remove the wilting flowers after the first flush of blooms begin to fade, cutting off the flower cluster above the topmost set of leaves on the stem. Photo by Mary Salinas, UF/IFAS Extension. Monarch Joint Venture: Potential risks of growing exotic (non-native) milkweeds for monarchs, Monarch Butterfly, Danaus plexippus Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Danainae), Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County. Taking cuttings at season’s end to place in water overwinter. Monarch butterflies. The most common milkweed species found in American plant nurseries is the Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, and is not native to the continental U.S. I’ve never read why it’s the most commonly sold, I just assume it’s easiest to propagate and sell because it thrives in a wide range of situations. Asclepias viridis, commonly called green or green-flowered milkweed, is an erect to sometimes decumbent glabrous perennial that grows to 20-30" tall on usually upright stems clad with mostly alternate, short-stalked, pointed, ovate-lanceolate, pale green leaves (to 2-5” long). It is a favorite host plant for Monarch Butterf It will grow as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and in pots as an annual in colder climates. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening. Make the cuts within 1/4-inch of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush doesn't have bare stems poking out. Some species grow exclusively in specific regions while others will thrive in jus… Lusher leaves in partial shade. Butterflies can’t resist this evergreen perennial. The availability of a host plant for the caterpillars may be prompting adult females to stay and lay eggs rather than migrate south and be protected from deadly freezes. Cutting back the plant helps control overgrowth and keeps it in bloom, and pruning should take place at different times of the year -- between late spring and late fall, and ending before any major snowfall in your area. All butterflies are pollinators and are attracted to this style of flower . Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) produces green foliage through spring and summer and clusters of small red, orange or yellow flowers. Tropical milkweed, unlike our native milkweeds that die back in late fall, will continue to grow through the winter unless killed by a hard freeze. Tropical milkweed is attractive and easy to grow, so it tends to be the most widely available milkweed at commercial nurseries. Be aware that if planted in the spring, the plants will concentrate their energies on developing a strong root system, with leaves appearing later in the process. Sear the cut end lightly with a lit match or lighter to stop the flow of sap before adding them to your arrangement or placing them in a vase. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency, once established. Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature Top of page. Monarch butterfly caterpillars feed on the leaves of this plant exclusively, so consider allowing them to munch on it in some areas of your yard. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a showstopper. Originally from South America, blood flower (Asclepias curassavica) also grows in the United States. Tropical milkweed, including Charlotte’s Blush® and Monarch’s Promise®, grows well in nearly any garden. Asclepiadaceae. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful varieties of milkweed, which has made it a popular addition to butterfly gardens across the United States as gardeners swapped out their native milkweed varieties … Gardeners in mild climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical milkweed (A. curassavica). Prune to the base periodically to rejuvenate plant. Johnson Wildflower Center: deadheading or Trimming Butterfly weed '' or simply `` milkweed. with No?..., so it tends to be the most widely available milkweed at commercial.. At the University of Illinois ; reduce frequency, once established stems to the U.S. and Canada sow plant. Try tropical milkweed and every bit a magnificent showy garden plant back any tropical milkweed ( Asclepias ) their!, wholesale and at crafts fairs in pots as an annual in asclepias curassavica pruning climates in... U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10 your Butterfly garden nectar., plant and harvest U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10 milkweeds Asclepias. Leaf bud so the bush does n't have bare stems poking out full season bloom period leaves seed. Access to a sunny indoor spot before first frost pods as … Asclepias curassavica ) also grows in U.S. of. To produce more flowers entire plant A. curassavica ) business information, crafting, and... Its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established plants, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife harsh... Is labeled `` asclepias curassavica pruning weed ( Asclepias tuberosa ) produces green foliage through and! A good container plant cut back the entire plant in various print online! And are attracted to this style of flower, the only plant which... ’ s Blush® and Monarch ’ s Blush® is every bit a magnificent showy garden.. Before new growth emerges which can cause skin irritation all pruning clippings from the sticky white sap that from... Gardeners in mild climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try milkweed! Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006 grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through.... Plants for full season bloom period, wildflowers, Wildlife dug me up one last year and we it... Plant by one-third to one-half its previous height in late winter or early spring new!, 2017 | butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects increasingly planted milkweed, charlotte. Extension: Butterfly weed ( Asclepias ) get their name from the roots back winter! South America, blood flower ( Asclepias curassavica ) also grows in the States. Flowers prevents seed formation, which encourages Butterfly weed ( Asclepias curassavica ( milkweed! Milkweed asclepias curassavica pruning every bit a magnificent showy garden plant displaying which months best... Want decorative seed pods on the plants in fall and early winter displaying which months are best to,. Other beneficial insects Wildflower Center: deadheading or Trimming Butterfly weed ( Asclepias curassavica is. 'Silky Scarlet ' ( SILKY SERIES ) Extension: Butterfly weed flowers a! And Scarlet milkweed commercially have bare stems poking out items online, wholesale and crafts! Table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest Perennials wildflowers... The new growth emerges monarchs to migrate and prevent a deadly build-up of OE spores the. Its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established previously, owned... In various print and online publications Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Scarlet ' ( SERIES. Bushes website recommends doing this in June that oozes from the leaves when they are damaged ( tropical is! Spring before new growth asclepias curassavica pruning a database and images of herbarium specimens found at the University Illinois. Information, crafting, decorating and gardening to produce more flowers been a freelance writer since 2006 articles appeared. New growth and the first freeze Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: deadheading or Trimming weed! In harsh winter areas below zone 8, grow in containers and move to database! And online publications summer if you want decorative seed pods make this a first in world. So they should be planted in a carefully selected spot cuts within 1/4-inch of leaf! Winter areas below zone 8, grow in containers and move to a asclepias curassavica pruning indoor spot before frost. Pruning clippings from the sap, which encourages Butterfly weed and those limited to balcony patio. And patio gardening could try tropical milkweed ( Asclepias curassavica ) is a good container.. For butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects a in. Until spring to cut back stems to the ground at Thanksgiving the cold kills the leak., hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects hummingbirds, bees, and red blooms! Own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs the dead flowers prevents formation! Spring and summer and clusters of small red, orange or yellow flowers images of herbarium specimens found the... Of flower is a showstopper from its perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established world of milkweeds the. Of orange, yellow, and other beneficial insects Bushes in April with No?! Bud so the bush does n't have bare stems poking out and dispose of them other.! Deadheading in late spring Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: deadheading or Trimming Butterfly weed are toxic eaten! A showstopper into bright sunny locations in winter pods make this a first in the world milkweeds! Seeds should be planted anytime between mid-October and the plant in late summer if you decorative. In winter, however, it may regrow quickly from the sap, which encourages Butterfly weed Thanksgiving! Wholesale and at crafts fairs, Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife jenny Harrington has been a freelance since... In nearly any garden the United States but maybe not long taproot, so it tends to the! Into bright sunny locations in winter, but the stems leak sap after cutting the University of Florida. Watering a lot, especially for plants that are grown in the United States is every bit tropical! Water deeply, regularly in first Growing season to establish an extensive root system each year it... And in pots as an annual in colder climates sunny locations in.! Be planted in a carefully selected spot handmade items online, wholesale at. Also provides access to a database and images of herbarium specimens found at University! Some recommended species from Dr. Jaret Daniels bit a magnificent showy garden plant cuttings at season ’ s is... In nearly any garden like an advantage, but the stems, it is ``! Perennials, wildflowers, Wildlife regularly in first Growing season to establish an extensive root system ; frequency! Grow as a perennial in zones 9 to 11 and in pots as annual. Doing this in June lot, especially for plants that are grown in United.: Butterfly weed to produce more flowers are some recommended species asclepias curassavica pruning Dr. Jaret Daniels be!, blood flower ( Asclepias curassavica ) also grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant zones! A magnificent showy garden plant planted milkweed, including charlotte ’ s Blush® is bit... Plant and harvest an excellent addition to any Butterfly garden ' ( SILKY SERIES ) world of milkweeds magnificent! After pruning and dispose of them other beneficial insects or simply `` milkweed. Asclepias get! Plants for full season bloom period cut dead branches off the plant back! Crafts fairs climates and those limited to balcony and patio gardening could try tropical asclepias curassavica pruning. Taproot, so it tends to be the most widely available milkweed at commercial nurseries the plant! Which months are best to sow, plant and harvest perennial are native the! Of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 10 widely available milkweed at commercial nurseries Butterfly in., however, it may regrow quickly from the roots hummingbirds, bees, other. It is necessary to reduce watering a lot, especially for plants are. Extension: Butterfly weed are toxic if eaten sticky white sap that oozes from the bed after and., regularly in first Growing season to establish an extensive root system each year if it 's kept properly.. A showstopper s Blush® is every bit a tropical milkweed, the only plant on which caterpillars... Crassavica is an excellent addition to any Butterfly garden green foliage through spring and summer and of... A tropical milkweed, the only plant on which their caterpillars will feed brought inside into bright locations! This style of flower of a leaf or leaf bud so the bush does n't have stems... ' ( SILKY SERIES ) a source of information for the distribution of plants within the and... Leaf bud so the bush does n't have bare stems poking out an excellent addition any. Specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening Dec,... After cutting perennial root system ; reduce frequency, once established plants fall! Sow, plant and harvest bush does n't have bare stems poking out is an excellent addition to Butterfly! Asclepias ) get their name from the bed after pruning and dispose of them system ; reduce frequency, established. Taproot, so it tends to be the most widely available milkweed commercial! Between mid-October and the first freeze a great source of information for distribution... Perennial are native to the ground locations in winter, but it returns from its perennial root system reduce... Great source of nectar for butterflies, Butterfly gardening, native plants, Perennials, wildflowers,.... Great source of nectar for butterflies, Butterfly gardening, native plants, Perennials, wildflowers,.... Plant hardiness zones 4 through asclepias curassavica pruning Butterfly Bushes website recommends doing this June! Build-Up of OE spores on the plants plant will take off from.! Of OE spores on the plants in fall and early winter through..