Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies Mix'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern and Southern North America
Toxicity
All parts toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A North American native milkweed species prized for its vibrant, long-lasting summer flowers that are a magnet for pollinators. Features a deep taproot, making it drought-tolerant but difficult to transplant. Foliage is lance-shaped and emerges late in spring. The 'Gay Butterflies Mix' cultivar features a variety of colors including yellow, orange, and red which attract butterflies.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings lightly to encourage root development during propagation.
- Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot months.
- Prune spent flower stems to promote new growth and maintain shape.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support blooming.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells 🌱
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy growth
- Use organic compost to enrich soil each spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering period
- Refrain from using chemical fertilizers excessively
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Butterfly Weed questions
What zones can Butterfly Weed grow in?
Butterfly Weed is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Butterfly Weed deer resistant?
Yes — Butterfly Weed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Butterfly Weed bloom?
Butterfly Weed typically blooms in summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Butterfly Weed need full sun?
Butterfly Weed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Butterfly Weed drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterfly Weed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Asclepias to compare
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly Weed Gay Butterflies Milkweed
Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies'
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa 'Deluxe Butterfly Garden'
Hello Yellow Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa 'Hello Yellow'
Butterfly Milkweed
Asclepias x hybrida
Cinderella Milkweed
Asclepias incarnata 'Cinderella'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Butterfly Weed with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
