Asclepias fruticosa

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

Asclepias fruticosa, Hairy Balls Milkweed, Asclepias Swan Plant, Swan Milkweed, Giant Swan Milkweed

Asclepias fruticosa, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Swan Milkweed, is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage, flowers, and ability to attract butterflies. The lush foliage is mid green and is a preferred food of Monarch Butterfly caterpillars. Cream coloured flowers develop into large, green seed pods which are very distinctive. It grows with an upright habit to about 1.5 m tall and the same wide. Asclepias fruticosa is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted to attract Monarch Butterflies, added to cottage gardens, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Asclepias fruticosa is currently unavailable.

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:	Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type:	Shrubs
Height:	1.50 m
Spread:	1.50 m
Flowering time:	Summer
Tolerances:
Garden uses:	Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles:	Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?	Yes
Maintenance requirements	Low
Growth rate	Medium
Also known as	Asclepias fruticosa, Hairy Balls Milkweed, Asclepias Swan Plant, Swan Milkweed, Giant Swan Milkweed

Asclepias fruticosa Details

Asclepias fruticosa, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Swan Milkweed, is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage, flowers, and ability to attract butterflies. The lush foliage is mid green and is a preferred food of Monarch Butterfly caterpillars. Cream coloured flowers held in clusters adorn the plant during summer and have a wax like appearance. The flowers then develop into large, green seed pods which are very distinctive. It grows with an upright habit to about 1.5 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted on a well-drained, sheltered site that does not dry out. It is tolerant of mild frost only. Asclepias fruticosa is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted to attract Monarch Butterflies, added to cottage gardens, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.