Asclepias cordifolia

Also Known As

Heart Leaf Milkweed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 12"-24"
W: 18"-36"

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Asclepias cordifolia plant details

Asclepias cordifolia is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue foliage. In summer purple flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asclepias cordifolia

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 18 IN - 36 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: purple blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, monarch host, rock garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asclepias cordifolia

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Purple flower buds are borne on several short stalks that extend some distance from the leaves and open to deep magenta stars with pale centers. Bloom time between May and July, a sweet slightly honey scent. S/M-D

By: Forestfarm

Gorgeous, large, loose umbels bear rich, shiny violet–purple petals sexily contrasted by creamy-white “horns”. How pretty! Plus it has rich purple stems, purple spherical buds & fabulous, large, bluish waxy leaves. To 2’ tall & 3’ across- it blooms in late Spring thru Summer & of course, is highly important as a food source & larval host (queen larval too!) to our beloved western Monarch butterflies. Native to much of California , Nevada, & Oregon (including the shore line of Martinez – for you locals), long-lived & carefree “Heartleaf Milkweed” is highly drought tolerant & needs no Summer water once established. It’ll go deciduous sometime after bloom but reliably reappears each Spring. Excellent for out-of–hose- reach areas, parking strips, CA Native or dry gardens. It's not fussy about soil but does appreciate good drainage.