Asclepias perennis

Also Known As

Aquatic Milkweed
White Milkweed

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

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

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Asclepias perennis plant details

Asclepias perennis is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial aquatic with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - high water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Asclepias perennis

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: bog garden, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Asclepias perennis

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - high
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Asclepias perennis is a shade tolerant milkweed of moist soils and semi-shaded sites with clusters of pink-flushed buds opening to intricate, lightly fragrant, pure white flowers with a darker centre. It is used as a larval host plant by monarch and other milkweed butterflies. Native to much of the eastern central US. Grow in rich soils with constant moisture in part sun to part shade.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Clusters of pure white flowers with a darker eye may be born throughout summer. One of the few shade tolerant Milkweeds and it is generally a fairly reliable perennial as the botanical name suggests. Suitable as a host for Monarchs and other Milkweed butterflies but for us it normally emerges after the Monarchs have passed through. It can be overwintered indoors and will remain evergreen if kept from frosts and freezes. Native to much of the eastern central US. Aquatic or White Milkweed is native to stream sides and other moist sites making it suitable for bog gardens but it will also perform well under average garden conditions. Locally it is generally most common in lightly shaded woodlands near streams. Asclepias perennis is a fibrous rooted perennial that returns each year from a woody crown producing more and more flowering stems each year under good conditions.

By: Almost Eden

Garden photo gallery of Asclepias perennis

By: Almost Eden

By: Almost Eden

Gardening facts about Asclepias perennis plant

How to Grow Asclepias perennis

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly shade
Water Needs
- standing water - high
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- adaptable
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant

Features

Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- white
Wildlife
- beneficial insects
- bees
- butterflies
- deer resistant
- rabbit resistant
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
- semi-evergreen