Common butterfly weed native to the central parts of the continent makes a striking long blooming perennial in our gardens. To 2′ tall flat cymes of brilliant orange flowers appear in July and re-bloom until frost. Emerges late – not until May and then rockets out of the ground and almost immediately commences blooming. Fantastic plant for all pollinators. Remarkably showy perennial for very well drained soil- try a slope and deep but infrequent irrigation or add a few handfuls of pumice to the planting hole. Mine thrives in the heat and rigors of my hellstrip. completely deciduous in winter.- its good to remember where you planted it. Butterflies, Oh the god damned butterflies. Excellent combined with blue and purple flowered perennials such as Verbena rigida with the same cultural requirements and bloom time.
Asclepias tuberosa
Family: Asclepiadaceae Genus: Asclepias
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Hot Aspects, Low Water/No Water, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn4a -25º to -30ºF
Foliage color: Mid Green
Foliage season: Winter Deciduous