Milkweed Plant

Milkweed is an easy-to-grow plant that is ideal, some would say essential, for many butterfly gardens. Several characteristics that will appeal to gardeners and butterfly watchers alike include its size, flowering time, sturdiness, and it’s natural attraction for butterflies. The Milkweed plant is typically found in Zones 3 to 9. It enjoys full sun but can deal with a bit of shade here and there.

Milkweeds usually appear in bunches of strong green stalks that could reach up to 5 feet high but typically 2 to 4 feet. Thanks to the sturdy nature of these stems, there is no need to prop them up; they will stand on their own. The leaves are various shades of green, thick, and strong. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and 2 to 4 inches wide. It is ideal for planting to place these about 18 inches apart. Additionally, this plant requires no fertilizers and does well in less than perfect soil.

Flowers pods from the Milkweed grow from the top of the plant and usually are found in small groups producing many flowers at once. The flowers grow to about .75 inches and .4 inches wide. They are generally light to dark pink in color and let off a lovely sweet scent.

The Perennial's Fruit Pods

Fruit pods also grow on the Milkweed. They are about 4 inches long and are shaped like a sphere, with little nubs growing on them. The pods start out green and as they mature, will turn brown. At this stage, they can be used for flower arrangements. Once they dry completely, they will split open. Many seeds can be taken from 1 pod.

Milkweed Plant Is Vital Butterfly Garden Plant

Finally, the Milkweed is an ideal and vital plant for Monarch Butterflies. Not only do they eat the leaves, but they also form their chrysalis and mature and hatch on the very same plant.

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