Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) Help save the Monarchs!! 3 Potted Plants

PLEASE SEE WESTERN STATE SHIPPING RESTRICIONS BELOW DESCRIPTION PRIOR TO ORDERING!

Swamp Milkweed, sometimes called Rose Milkweed, is absolutely one of the prettiest of all of the many milkweed species in North America, and like all milkweeds, it is an essential plant for the now endangered Monarch Butterfly. While the butterfly itself will feed on many different flower species, they only plant Monarchs lay eggs on are milkweeds, which become the sole food source for Monarch caterpillars. Without milkweeds, Monarchs disappear. Unfortunately, due to heavy pesticide use, over development and habitat loss, and mono-crop agriculture, the number of wild milkweed plants is in serious decline, thus affecting the Monarch butterfly population. But now you can do something to reverse that trend in your own landscape and gardens!!

Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a native perennial found over most of North America, typically in moist soils near rivers, streams, ponds and other wetlands, however, it might be found in drier sites such as meadows or grasslands, as well, although prolonged drought is not tolerated. Like other milkweeds, Swamp Milkweed puts down a deep taproot which limits its use in the Big-Box Store garden-center trade. When sold and planted as smaller plants, however, they do quite well, maturing in a year or two to 3-4' tall - sometimes taller, and maybe half as wide, although older plants will spread wider as more stems grow from the crown. Hardy in Zones 3-10.

Do not let this issue stop you from growing milkweeds, however, it should be noted that there is a relatively new pest that has been introduced into the US known as the Oleander Aphid, now commonly referred to as Milkweed Aphid. They are a small orange to yellow bug that can be found on just about any part of the plant: stems, leaves, even the flowers where they can multiply very quickly - going from a dozen to hundreds in just days - and possibly destroy a plant within weeks. A more mature plant can often withstand the attack, however. Sometimes you might find ants 'farming' the aphids as they enjoy the honeydew left behind by the aphids.

There are a number of ways to treat an outbreak, most notably by just blasting the little buggers with a hose and jet of water, knocking them off the plant. You can also use a soap spray to smother them, just remember to do it early in the morning and thoroughly rinse the plants within 30 minutes or so. Our preferred method at the nursery is just to squish them on the plant, not nearly as 'icky' as it might sound. Whatever method you choose, be vigilant and check under leaves, as well! Beneficial insects may help keep them in check, also.

This offer is for 3 (three) 3.5" potted seedlings, nursery propagated. Milkweeds are very pollinator friendly plants, and disliked by deer, rabbits and other nibblers!

WE CANNOT SHIP POTTED PLANTS TO THE FOLLOWING STATES DUE TO SHIPPING RESTRICTIONS: CALIFORNIA, OREGON, WASHINGTON, ARIZONA, ALASKA, HAWAII, IDAHO, NEVADA, UTAH, COLORADO, & NEW MEXICO.

Some items may be available to these areas during dormant season when we can ship items bare root. Please message me if you have questions.