Red Milkweed
- Perennial and hardy to zone 4
- Plants grow to 5 feet tall
- Bright pink and red, vanilla-scented flowers
- Blooms in June and July
- Preferred food source of Monarch caterpillars
Item Details
Also known as Swamp milkweed, this North American native bears bright pink-and-red, vanilla-scented flowers in June and July. Surprisingly adaptable, this 5-foot-tall perennial is the preferred forage source for the larvae of Monarch butterflies and can grow in wet to well-drained soil. Perennial. Hardy to zone 4.
Learn to Grow Red Milkweed
Start Indoors: 8-10 weeks before planting out
Germination: 10-15 Days
Plant Outdoors: 12-24” Apart
Light: Full Sun
Instructions - Sow seeds indoors in flats 1/4" deep, moisten soil, cover with plastic, and refrigerate for 10 days. Thereafter, provide light and 50-75°F. This moist stratification is not absolutely necessary, but will help to increase germination.
Ratings & Reviews
2 reviews
Strong/hardy plant
by Braedon (Charlotte NC)
I bought these in late 2019. I cold moist stratified them in the fridge for about 6 weeks. I had almost 100% germination. The plants grew 3 ft tall. No bloom but those should come in year 2. Great plant. Hopefully. The monarch butterflies will find them.
Raising Monarchs
by George
Have had these in my flower beds for years. Every year there will be Monarch caterpillars. Since my children were grade-school we would collect the caterpillars and put them in a critter tote and raise them. Now I do the same with my grand-children...they love it.