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Swamp Milkweed

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

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.

Type

Native

benefits 

Supports Wildlife, Deer Resistant, Flowers, Fragrant

Attracts:

Monarchs, Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil Type 

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

Sun Light

Full Sun

     

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