Red Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias ‘Red Butterfly’) is an ornamental perennial prized for its bright red to orange flowers, which are highly decorative and rich in nectar. Essential to pollinators, especially butterflies, it is particularly valued for its abundant summer blooms and hardiness.

2. Sowing

Difficulty level : Moderately easy
Sowing method : Indoor sowing 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost or direct sowing outdoors in spring
Sowing technique : In pots or trays, maintain constant moisture
Sowing depth : ~ 5 mm
Germination time : 14 to 30 days
Germination temperature : 18 to 22 C

3. Culture

Ease of cultivation : Easy once established
Growing season : Warm season
Transplanting : Easy, once the plants are well-rooted
Plant spacing : ~ 30 to 45 cm between plants
Distance between rows : ~ 45 to 60 cm
Hardiness zone : Zones 3 to 9 (very hardy perennial)
Light : Full sun
Soil type : Light, well-drained soil
Soil pH : Neutral to slightly acidic
Soil moisture : Tolerates drought once established
Soil fertility : Low requirements
Time before flowering : Flowering generally occurs in the second year after sowing
Watering : Moderate, especially during establishment
Other characteristics : Host plant of the monarch butterfly; excellent heat tolerance

4. Usage

Ideal for flowerbeds, pollinator gardens and naturalized landscaping. Asclepias Red Butterfly brings colour, movement and biodiversity to the garden.

5. Apprenticeship

Companion plants : Echinacea, rudbeckia, gaillardia, verbena
Plant enemies : None known