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Swamp Milkweed : Asclepias incarnata

Swamp Milkweed : Asclepias incarnata

$6.00Price
Size
Plug
4"
Quantity
Swamp Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata
 
A beautiful native perennial with clusters of soft pink flowers that bring color, fragrance, and valuable wildlife habitat to moist gardens. Swamp Milkweed is an excellent choice for rain gardens, pond edges, wet meadows, and other areas where the soil stays consistently moist.
 
Its fragrant pink flower clusters attract a variety of pollinators throughout the summer, while its foliage serves as an essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. The upright stems and attractive flowers add height and seasonal interest to native plantings, making Swamp Milkweed a wonderful addition to gardens designed to support pollinators and other wildlife.
 
Growing Conditions:
  • Sun: Full sun to part shade
  • Soil moisture: Medium to wet
  • Soil: Moist, well-drained to occasionally saturated soil
  • Height: 3–5 ft
  • Bloom time: Mid- to late summer
  • Flower color: Pink to rose
  • Native range: Eastern and central North America
 
Wildlife Value:
  • Essential host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars
  • Provides nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
  • Supports a variety of native insects
  • Adds valuable habitat to rain gardens, wet meadows, and other moisture-rich landscapes
 
Don't Worry If It Doesn't Flower Right Away:
Native perennials don't always flower their first year, and that's completely normal! Young plants often put much of their energy into developing a strong root system and establishing themselves in their new environment. Depending on the species, you may see limited or no flowering during the first growing season, with more substantial flowering beginning in year two and beyond.
 
Watering for Establishment:
For the best results, water your new plants regularly during their first 6 weeks after planting, particularly during periods of hot or dry weather. Swamp Milkweed prefers consistently moist soil, especially while becoming established, but can tolerate some variation in moisture once established. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely during prolonged hot or dry periods.
 
Plant for the future: The first year is about putting down roots. Give your native plants time to establish, and you'll be rewarded with stronger, more resilient plants in the seasons ahead.
 
Garden Use:
Great for rain gardens, pond edges, wet meadows, moist native perennial gardens, and low-lying areas that retain moisture. Plant in full sun for the best flowering, and consider grouping several plants together to create a more noticeable display of pink blooms and a concentrated resource for pollinators.
 
WNS Note:
Asclepias incarnata is a native perennial with exceptional ecological value. As a host plant for Monarch caterpillars, it provides an important resource for a butterfly whose life cycle depends on milkweeds. Unlike Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed is generally less spreading and grows in distinct upright clumps, making it a useful choice for cultivated gardens and smaller native plantings.
 
Sourcing:
Seeds were sourced from Common Violets LLC, 8.1 ecoregion.
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