Asclepias t. 'Hello Yellow' (25) BR Plants

Product Description

Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' 
Common Name: Butterfly Weed, pleurisy root.
Zones 3 to 9.
Full sun.
Plants reach 24 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Herbaceous perennial.

Butterfly Weed prefers slightly acidic, sandy-humus-loam that is well-drained. It is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils, and drought tolerant enough to perform well in poor, dry soils. New growth tends to emerge late in the spring. Butterfly weed is a tuberous rooted, and does not transplant well due to its deep taproot. Mature plants may freely self-seed if seed pods are not removed prior to splitting open. Plants are easily grown from seed, but are somewhat slow to establish and may take 2 to 3 years to produce flowers.

Asclepias tuberosa is a prairie plant native to North America from New York, west to N. Dakota, southwest to Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, and south to Florida.

Attributes: Border plants, Cut flower, Dried flower, Drought Tolerant, Mass Planting. Butterfly gardens, meadows, prairies, or naturalized/native plant areas. Also effective in sunny borders. Whether massing plants in large drifts or sprinkling them throughout a prairie or meadow, butterfly weed is one of our showiest native willowers.

Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' is a popular choice for gardeners because it is easy to care for, drought tolerant, and attracts a variety of pollinators. This variety of butterfly weed is a must-have for those looking to add a vibrant splash of color to their gardens while supporting important pollinators. This article will provide detailed information about this plant, including its ideal growing conditions, care and maintenance, and potential uses.

Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' is a unique cultivar as it produces yellow flowers, while the typical species has orange blooms. This allows gardeners to add diversity to their butterfly gardens with a different color.

The genus name Asclepias honors Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Unlike many other milkweeds, this species does not have milky sap. The rich green foliage provides a lovely contrast to the vibrant yellow flowers.

Growing Conditions Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' thrives in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. While it needs regular watering during its first growing season, it is quite drought tolerant once established. This makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or water-wise gardening.

Care and Maintenance Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' is generally a low-maintenance plant. It is important to note that this plant is slow to emerge in the spring, so be patient and do not be alarmed if it takes a little longer to appear than other perennials.

To encourage re-blooming, deadhead the flowers after the first bloom cycle. This will stimulate another round of blooms about a month later. For winter interest and to encourage re-seeding, leave the stems intact throughout the winter months. In mid-spring, remove the old stems by cutting them just above ground level.

Pest Management While generally pest-free, Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' can occasionally be affected by caterpillars and thrips.

• Caterpillars: These pests chew on leaves and flower petals, creating irregular holes. You can control them by handpicking them off the plant, applying insecticide, or introducing beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to your garden.
• Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the plant's sap. To manage thrips, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects like minute pirate bugs and green lacewings.

Potential Uses Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' has many uses in the garden and beyond. It is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies, providing a food source for their caterpillars. However, it is worth noting that monarch females may not prefer the plant's rough leaves for laying eggs compared to other milkweed varieties. The flowers are a rich source of nectar for many pollinators, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

This variety is also an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements. When cutting the stems, sear the ends over a flame to prevent the milky sap from leaking out. The green fruits that develop after the flowers are particularly attractive in dried arrangements.

Beyond its ornamental value, Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' plays a role in supporting local wildlife. Hummingbirds enjoy their nectar, and wild birds use the plant's fiber to build their nests.

Toxicity It is important to be aware that Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. If you have pets that may be tempted to nibble on plants in your garden, it is best to plant this variety in an area they cannot access or choose a different, non-toxic plant.

Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' is a beautiful and versatile plant that offers numerous benefits to any garden. Its vibrant yellow flowers add a cheerful touch to the landscape, and its long blooming period provides lasting enjoyment. As a low-maintenance plant, it is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. This variety is particularly valuable for its role in supporting pollinators, especially monarch butterflies. It is also a great choice for xeriscaping and can be used in various garden settings, from borders to meadows. While it is toxic to pets, with proper placement, Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow' can be a stunning and valuable addition to your garden.

Click here for more ordering and shipping information