Butterfly Weed
- Brilliant Orange Blooms
- Supports Native Pollinators
- Drought Tolerant
$20.00
In Stock
Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed is a sun-loving North American native perennial prized for vivid orange flower clusters, upright green foliage, and exceptional value in pollinator landscapes. Its compact form brings bold summer color to borders, meadows, cottage gardens, and naturalized plantings.
Why choose Butterfly Weed?
Choose Butterfly Weed for its combination of brilliant summer flowers, native beauty, and pollinator value. Its nectar-rich blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects, while its foliage serves as a food source for monarch caterpillars. A substantial taproot supports excellent drought tolerance after establishment, making this colorful perennial an appealing choice for sunny, well-drained landscapes.
Key Characteristics
- Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Common Name: Butterfly Weed
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming
Butterfly Weed Additional Information
Butterfly Weed typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall, forming an upright clump of sturdy stems lined with narrow green leaves. Flat-topped clusters of small, intricate orange flowers appear from early through late summer, providing a vivid contrast alongside purple coneflowers, asters, ornamental grasses, and other native perennials.
This deciduous perennial dies back to the ground after frost and returns from its established crown in spring. New growth may emerge later than that of many neighboring perennials, so its planting location is worth marking. Flowers can develop into slender seed pods that split when mature, releasing silky, wind-carried seeds. Remove pods before they open to limit self-sowing, or leave them for naturalized interest. Because its deep taproot dislikes disturbance, Butterfly Weed performs best when planted in a permanent location. It is an excellent addition to pollinator gardens, native borders, dry meadows, cottage gardens, and mass plantings.
Planting & Care
FAQs
How large does Butterfly Weed grow?
Butterfly Weed generally reaches 1 to 3 feet tall and approximately 1 to 2 feet wide. Mature dimensions vary with sunlight, soil, moisture, and local growing conditions.
When does Butterfly Weed bloom?
Its vivid orange flower clusters usually appear from early through late summer. Established plants growing in full sun typically produce the strongest floral display.
Does Butterfly Weed attract monarch butterflies?
Yes. Its flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies and other pollinators, while its foliage can serve as a host food source for monarch caterpillars.
Is Butterfly Weed evergreen?
No. Butterfly Weed is an herbaceous perennial that dies back after frost. It returns from the crown in spring, although its new shoots may emerge relatively late.
Related Resources
Shipping Details
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.
| Amount of Order | Shipping Charge |
|---|---|
| Local Delivery | FREE SHIPPING |
| Non-Local Delivery | Varies based on UPS shipping |
Leaf
Full Sun
Flowering
| Mature Height | Small: Up to 2 ft |
| Mature Spread | 0-5 ft |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Botanical Name | Hemerocallis 'Pardon Me' |
| Bloom Time | Early Summer |
| Deer Resistant | Usually |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Light Needs | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Size | #1 Container, #2 Container |
Growing Zones 5-9 Outdoors
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ||||||
| Mature Height | Medium: Up to 4 ft | Large: Up to 30 ft or more | Medium: Up to 30 ft | Small: Up to 2 ft | Small: Up to 2 ft | Medium: Up to 30 ft |
| Mature Spread | 0-5 ft | 20+ ft | 10-20 ft | 0-5 ft | 0-5 ft | 10-20 ft |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Moderate | Fast |
| Bloom Time | Mid Summer | Late Spring, Mid spring, Early Spring | Late Spring | Early Summer | Late Spring, Mid spring | Mid Summer |
| Deer Resistant | Usually | Usually | Usually | Usually | Usually | Usually |
| Family | Pennisetum | Vitaceae | Fabaceae | Lamiaceae | Saxifragaceae | Lamiaceae |
| Flower Color | Pink, Red | Green, White | Blue/Purple | Blue/Purple | Pink | Green |
| Hardiness Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
| Light Needs | Full Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun | Full Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low | Low |
