Native to the western parts of North America, Showy Milkweed is found abundantly from central Canada - particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan - down through the United States to northeastern Mexico. This hardy perennial has adapted over time to various habitats in these regions, from moist valleys to dry plains and high-altitude areas. Its rich history is closely associated with the indigenous people of these regions, who utilized the plant for medicinal purposes and fiber production. More recently, it's been celebrated for its ecological role, serving as a crucial habitat and food source for Monarch butterflies.
Showy Milkweed is a robust, hardy perennial that can reach heights up to 1-1.5 meters. This plant thrives in full sun and is remarkably tolerant of poor soils, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden. It is a perfect fit for Canadian hardiness zones 3-9, showcasing its resilience and adaptability.
Showy Milkweed captures the eye with its round clusters of pinkish-purple flowers, which bloom from late spring to late summer. These blossoms not only add a pop of colour to your garden but also attract a host of beneficial pollinators. Whether you are a butterfly enthusiast, or simply a gardener seeking to add a touch of historical and ecological charm to your garden, Showy Milkweed is a compelling choice.
- Latin Name: Asclepias speciosa
- Life Cycle: Perrenial
- Canada Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Days to Maturity: Second-year maturity
- Planting Depth: 3-4 mm
- Plant Spacing: 50-90 cm
- Growth Habit: 1-1.5 m tall
* Showy Milkweed can self-seed and spread through its roots, although it is not typically considered invasive in most of its native range, including Canada. However, like any plant, it can potentially become overly abundant if it's not managed in contained or cultivated settings.
While this growth habit can be advantageous for supporting Monarch butterflies, gardeners should be aware of this potential for spread when choosing a location for planting. Ideally, it should be situated where it can spread without becoming disruptive to other garden plants.
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
Native to North America, the many varieties of milkweed are abundant in the wild and extremely popular in pollinator gardens. Milkweed is well known for attracting monarch butterflies, as it is the only plant that its larvae will feed on. It is crucial to grow and support milkweed to keep the monarch population stable, as they are a very important pollinator.
Milkweed grows quickly and vertically, up to 120 cm, on narrow stalks with broad green leaves. Bunches of aromatic pink, purple and white flowers begin to appear in midsummer.
Seeds can be sown directly outdoors in the fall or started indoors early in the spring. Because indoor starts don’t go through a natural stratification process through the winter, this period will have to be simulated. It takes about 30 days, so plan accordingly. Wrap seeds in damp paper towels and put them into sealable plastic bags and place into the refrigerator undisturbed for 30 days.
Using small peat or coco pots, place one or two seeds in each and cover lightly with 5 mm of soil. Seeds can be bottom watered. Place pots in a tray and add about 1 cm of water. The pots will absorb the water, keeping the soil and seeds moist. Move the pots under grow lights or to a sunny window and expect sprouts in about two weeks.
Harden seedlings off after the danger of frost has passed. The pots can be transplanted directly into the garden and will decompose without disturbing the roots. Give milkweed full sun and plenty of space to grow tall and produce large bunches of flowers. It is tolerant of poor, dry soils as long as it is well-drained. Watering is only needed during times of extreme drought. Milkweed will thrive in dry conditions and overwatering can lead to fungal diseases. It will do well in a variety of climates and temperatures and does not require any fertilizing.
If you’re concerned about your local ecology and have access to open fields or plenty of space, try planting milkweed from seed. It’s native, low maintenance and will attract and help repopulate the beautiful monarch butterfly.
QUICK FACTS
- For a long time, Native Americans used the young leaves, stems and buds as food.
- The silk from the seed pods was once used for stuffing pillows.
- Attempts at commercializing milkweed were numerous and included use in the manufacturing of paper, fabric, fuel, rubber and some medicinal uses.
- Milkweed seeds will remain viable for 2 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.
