Asclepias tuberosa 'Deluxe Butterfly Garden'

Species

Asclepias tuberosaButterfly Weed

3 other cultivars

perennialN. America Native

Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa 'Deluxe Butterfly Garden'

The Story

Plant Bio

Native perennial known for attracting butterflies.

Known for its bright orange flowers and resilience in dry conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright orange flowers attract butterflies and serve as vibrant garden focal points.

Drought-tolerant with minimal watering needs once established.

Supports pollinators like monarch butterflies and bees.

SpeciesAsclepias tuberosaButterfly Weed

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate once established

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
Mist cuttings lightly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Prune dead or damaged stems in late fall to encourage healthy growth.
Divide mature plants every 3-4 years in early spring for propagation.

Pro Tip

Use stratified seeds for higher germination success, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun for optimal flowering ☀️
Water consistently during dry spells 💧
Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom

Don't

Don’t overwater to prevent fungal issues ❌
Avoid heavy clay soil that retains too much moisture
Don’t prune in late fall, wait until early spring
Refrain from disturbing roots during dividing

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildflower meadow with vibrant orange bloomsButterfly-attracting border with fragrant flowersDrought-tolerant xeriscape feature

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Gaillardia pulchella Liatris spicata Rudbeckia hirta Verbena bonariensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed questions

What zones can Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed grow in?

Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed deer resistant?

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

When does Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed bloom?

Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed typically blooms in early 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 Garden Butterfly Weed need full sun?

Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Butterfly Garden Butterfly Weed drought tolerant?

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