Asclepias curassavica "Silky Red"

Asclepias curassavica "Silky Red", commonly known as Tropical Milkweed or Bloodflower, is a striking perennial plant valued for its vibrant red and orange flowers. These flowers attract a variety of pollinators, particularly butterflies, including the Monarch butterfly, which relies on milkweed species for its lifecycle. The plant has slender, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of small, star-shaped flowers throughout the growing season.

Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8-11. In colder regions, it can be grown as an annual or in containers that are brought indoors during winter.

Height and Width

Height: Asclepias curassavica typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

Width: Asclepias curassavica spreads to a width of about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm).

Uses

Pollinator Gardens: Asclepias curassavica attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Monarch Habitat: Asclepias curassavica serves as a host plant for Monarch butterfly larvae, providing a critical resource for their lifecycle.

Ornamental: Asclepias curassavica adds vibrant color to garden beds, borders, and containers with its striking flowers.

Native Range

Tropical Milkweed is native to the tropical regions of South America. It has naturalized in many other warm regions around the world.

Planting and Care

1. Site Selection: Choose a location with full sun to light shade. Full sun is preferred for optimal flowering and growth.

2. Soil: Prefers well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives in moderately fertile, sandy, or loamy soils.

3. Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Once established, it can tolerate short periods of drought.

4. Fertilization: Fertilize lightly in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

5. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

6. Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Cut back the plant in late fall to remove any diseased or dead material and to tidy the garden.

Pests and Diseases

Pests: Watch for aphids, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs. Monarch larvae may also feed on the plant, which is a natural and beneficial occurrence.

Diseases: Generally disease-resistant, but ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew.

Additional Tips

Winter Care: In regions where it is grown as a perennial, cut back the plant to the ground in late fall or early winter to prepare for new growth in spring.

Invasiveness: In some regions, Tropical Milkweed can be invasive. Regular monitoring and removal of unwanted seedlings can help manage its spread.

To avoid the spread of Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE) disease in Louisiana, cut back Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) in June and October (in Louisiana).

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.