perennial

Tropical Milkweed

The Story

Plant Bio

Asclepias curassavica is an erect, evergreen subshrub native to the American tropics, distinguished by its slender stems containing a milky, toxic latex. The terminal clusters of flowers feature bright red corolla lobes contrasting with golden-yellow central hoods, blooming continuously from spring through fall.

While primarily grown for its vibrant bicolored blooms, select cultivars may emerge with bronze or burgundy tones on new foliage before maturing to a deep green. The plant serves as an essential larval host for monarch and queen butterflies, though its evergreen nature in mild climates can disrupt natural migration patterns.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, long-lasting bicolored red and yellow blooms that stand out in sunny borders.

Features a deep taproot that provides moderate drought tolerance once the plant is established.

Serves as a critical larval host plant for monarch and queen butterflies, and offers nectar to bees and hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

American tropics

Toxicity

Highly toxic if ingested; sap is a skin and eye irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with fertile, sandy or loamy soil that drains rapidly.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water deeply at planting to settle the soil around the taproot, then maintain moderate moisture until established.
Prune the entire plant back to the ground in late winter to disrupt parasite life cycles and encourage vigorous spring shoots.

Pro Tip

Cut the stems back to the ground in late winter to eliminate overwintering protozoan parasites and force fresh, disease-free basal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling the plant to protect skin from the irritating milky sap.
Deadhead spent flower clusters to prevent unwanted self-seeding in nearby damp areas.
Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged, as the root system is highly susceptible to rot.
Avoid light, frequent shearing during the growing season, which prevents natural flushing.
Do not plant this species near natural waterways in frost-free regions where it can easily escape.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Butterfly GardensPollinator BordersCottage GardensContainersAnnual Bedding

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Salvia leucantha Lantana camara

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Tropical Milkweed questions

What zones can Tropical Milkweed grow in?

Tropical Milkweed is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Tropical Milkweed deer resistant?

Yes — Tropical Milkweed is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Tropical Milkweed bloom?

Tropical Milkweed typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Tropical Milkweed need full sun?

Tropical Milkweed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Tropical Milkweed drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tropical Milkweed handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.