Product Description
Asclepias incarnata (4) 1-gallons
Common Name: Swamp Milkweed;
as-KLEE-pee-as in-kar-NAH-tuh
A virtually hassle-free perennial, offering three months of scented, white, 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. Asclepias 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: 3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread: 2.0-3.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6
Flower Color: White, pink, mauve
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
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants maybe trimmed for shipping,
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!
