blood flower
Asclepias curassavica
MBG Plant of Merit 2007
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red-orange with yellow hood
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blood flower (Asclepias curassavica) is an annual for borders, containers, cottage gardens, and pollinator gardens. This plant likes full sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall and bears red-orange flowers with a yellow hood. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees visit the blooms. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Blue sage, California poppy, and Sedge.
Native range
Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico.