Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'

Also Known As

Silky Red Butterfly Weed

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

8b-12

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Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' plant details

Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer red and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'

USDA Zones: 8b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Vibrant yellow and red flowers are borne from Spring to frost on an upright to spreading perennial. Raise Monarch Butterflies in your own backyard! The Monarchs migrate through our area just as the Asclepias begin to awaken in spring, just in time for the females to lay their eggs on the new growth. A Dawn Stover Nifty Fifty favorite herbaceous plant! Dawn is a Research Associate at Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, TX and currently maintains the Mast Arboretum plant collection. For more about Dawn, the wonderful arboretum, and Stephen F Austin's excellent horticultural program click here.

By: Almost Eden

Garden photo gallery of Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'

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By: Almost Eden

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Photo of Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' flower by Confessions of a Plant Geek

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By: Confessions of a Plant Geek

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Gardening facts about Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red' plant

How to Grow Asclepias curassavica 'Silky Red'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - occasional
Soil Needs
- acidic
- alkaline
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- seaside / salt tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
- yellow
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- summer
- spring
Foliage Season
- semi-evergreen