red milkweed
Asclepias rubra
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moist to wet soil
Size1.5 to 3 feet tall10 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red , pink , purple
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acidic (pH<6.8)
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red milkweed (Asclepias rubra) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and moist to wet, sandy or loamy soil. Its showy flowers range from lavender to pink to dull red and attract butterflies and bees. Monarch caterpillars feed on the leaves.
Pairs well with Thalia, Blue star, and Big bluestem.
Native range
AL, AR, DC, DE, and 12 more places. See all 16
AL, AR, DC, DE, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, PA, SC, TX, and VA.