With colorful flowers and an extra-long bloom time, 'Silky Red Deep' tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is eye-catching from late spring to late fall. Deep red flower buds open to reveal red petals and a yellow hood that is hard to miss in the garden. They serve as an important source of nectar for pollinators, like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies before giving way to silky seed pods in late fall.
Milkweeds, including 'Silky Red Deep' Tropical Milkweed, are essential for the Monarch lifecycle. Their relationship includes more than just swapping nectar for pollination. Caterpillars exclusively feed on their leaves, which are filled with cardenolides. Cardenolides are stored in the bodies of Monarch caterpillars and butterflies as a defense against predators. Without Milkweed, we wouldn't have Monarchs!
Vital details:
Plant size: 3-4' tall x 2-3' wide
Light: full sun (6+ hrs/day)
Hardiness: USDA zone 3-9 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator value: attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and is the host plant for Monarchs
Notable features: fragrant, great cut flowers, long-blooming, deer resistant, multiple seasons of interest, low maintenance
Pot size: one quart
Plant name: Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Deep Red'