Product Description
Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Swamp Milkweed;
A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
Gather bouquets of Asclepias all summer long; the long stems are wonderful for cutting and are long-lasting. Sear the ends of the cut stems over a flame to stop the milky sap from leaking out. Following the fabulous flowers, typical milkweed seed pods develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. These are great to use in dried flower arrangements.
This species grows in loose clumps by means of slowly creeping rhizomes. It is not invasive and can be safely mixed in with other perennials in the border. Ascelpias incarnata is native to North America. Asclepias incarnata grows best in moist to wet soils, but will tolerate drier conditions. This species, unlike A. tuberosa, prefers humus-rich soil. A full day of sun is best. Once established, Swamp Milkweed requires little care. Though it is perfectly cold-hardy in the north, mulching plants in winter will help prevent frost-heaving.
In spring, trim back last year's growth and await the beautiful new foliage which will appear a bit later than other perennials.
Height: 3.0-5.0 Feet
Spread: 1.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer to Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Bog Plant, Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Mass Planting
A Magical Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella', commonly known as Swamp Milkweed, is a captivating perennial that brings both beauty and ecological benefits to any garden. This enchanting cultivar of the North American native swamp milkweed boasts vanilla-scented, rose-pink flower clusters that bloom from June to August . Growing in sturdy clumps, 'Cinderella' reaches a height of 3-5 feet and spreads 1-3 feet wide , making it a perfect addition to various garden settings.
Growing Conditions and Care 'Cinderella' thrives in full sun and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil . While it flourishes in wet conditions, it can tolerate average garden soil and even occasional flooding, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage . This cultivar is also heat and humidity tolerant . It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and is deer resistant, a significant advantage for gardeners concerned about protecting their plants .
To care for 'Cinderella', deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers and prevent self-seeding . Cut back stems to the base in late fall after flowering . While it generally does not require fertilization, amending the soil with organic matter before planting can be beneficial . This low-maintenance perennial is a wonderful choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Native Range and Habitat Asclepias incarnata, the parent species of 'Cinderella', is native to North America and is commonly found in swamps, river bottomlands, and wet meadows . Its natural range extends from the upper Midwest eastward to New England, southward to Georgia, and westward to Oklahoma . Disjunct populations also occur in other areas, including Florida .
'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed prefers moist habitats such as wet meadows, floodplains, riverbanks, and pond shores . It can also grow in drier areas like prairies, fields, and roadsides .
Companion Plants 'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed pairs beautifully with a variety of other plants, especially those that thrive in similar growing conditions and attract pollinators. Some excellent companion plants include:
- Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower): This vibrant red native perennial adds a striking contrast to the soft pink hues of 'Cinderella' and thrives in moist soils.
- Lobelia siphilitica (great blue lobelia): Another moisture-loving native, great blue lobelia introduces cool blue tones to the garden and blooms around the same time as 'Cinderella'.
- Helenium autumnale (Helen's flower, common sneezeweed): This late-blooming perennial extends the season of interest with its cheerful yellow and orange flowers.
- Delphinium exaltatum (tall larkspur): For vertical accents, tall larkspur provides stately spires of blue flowers that complement the airy texture of 'Cinderella'.
- Oligoneuron ohioense (Ohio goldenrod): This native goldenrod adds a touch of gold to the late summer garden and attracts a wide range of pollinators.
By combining 'Cinderella' with these and other companion plants, you can create a dynamic and ecologically rich garden that supports a variety of pollinators and provides visual interest throughout the growing season.
Uses and Potential Benefits Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' is not just a beautiful addition to the garden; it also offers a range of ecological and practical benefits. This milkweed cultivar plays a vital role in supporting monarch butterflies, whose populations have declined by 90% in recent years due to habitat loss and pesticide use . By planting 'Cinderella', you can provide a crucial food source and breeding ground for these magnificent creatures.
The fragrant, rose-pink flowers of 'Cinderella' are a magnet for pollinators, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to your garden . This abundance of pollinators not only enhances the beauty of your garden but also contributes to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Beyond its ecological benefits, 'Cinderella' also offers ornamental value with its attractive flower clusters and unique seed pods . The seed pods, which follow the flowers in the fall, add visual interest with their elongated shape and textured surface. As the pods mature, they split open to reveal seeds adorned with long, silvery-white, silky hairs . These seeds and pods can be used in dried flower arrangements, extending the beauty of 'Cinderella' into the winter months.
'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed also makes excellent cut flowers, with its long-lasting blossoms bringing the charm of the garden indoors . Searing the cut ends of the stems prevents the milky sap from leaking, ensuring the longevity of your floral arrangements .
Toxicity While Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' offers numerous benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential toxicity of its milky sap. This sap contains cardiac glycosides, which can be harmful to pets if ingested . Keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary attention if you suspect ingestion.
Conservation The decline in monarch butterfly populations is a significant concern, and planting milkweed is a crucial step in supporting their conservation. Monarch butterflies rely entirely on milkweed plants for their survival, as their caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweed leaves . The toxins in milkweed make the caterpillars unpalatable to predators, providing them with a vital defense mechanism.
By incorporating 'Cinderella' Swamp Milkweed into your garden, you can contribute to the preservation of these iconic butterflies and support the overall health of the ecosystem.
Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella' is a truly remarkable plant that embodies both beauty and ecological significance. Its stunning flowers, ability to attract pollinators, and crucial role in supporting Monarch butterflies make it a valuable addition to any garden. With its ease of care, adaptability to various growing conditions, and long blooming season, 'Cinderella' is a rewarding choice for gardeners of all levels. By planting this magical milkweed, you can create a vibrant and ecologically rich garden that benefits both wildlife and the environment.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
