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Pink flower clusters of Swamp Milkweed with a Monarch butterfly nearby.

Type

Native

Sunlight Type

Full Sun

Soil Type

Rich & Moist, Tolerates Clay Soil, Tolerates Wet / Poor Drainage

Attracts

Monarchs, Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Benefits 

Supports Wildlife, Deer Resistant, Flowers, Fragrant

The Well-Behaved Milkweed

If you want to help Monarchs but are afraid Common Milkweed will take over your garden, plant Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). It forms a polite, clump-forming plant that does not spread by runners. It has lovely clusters of vanilla-scented, deep pink flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies.

Why You Need It:

  • Monarch Host: A preferred food source for Monarch caterpillars.
  • Garden Friendly: Stays where you plant it, making it perfect for flower borders.
  • Wet Soil: As the name suggests, it loves wet spots and clay soil.

Planting Tips:

Plant in Full Sun. While it loves moisture, it adapts surprisingly well to average garden soil once established. Do not let it dry out completely.

     

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