Butterfly Milkweed

Water Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa var. interior) twice a week with around 1-1.5 inches of water. Water the roots directly by soaking the soil about 1/2 inch deep. Do not allow the soil to become soggy or to dry out fully. Every 3 to 4 days is ideal. Note that established plants may require less or even no supplemental irrigation. Monitor carefully the first few weeks to be sure you are giving the plant the right amount of water.

Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa var. interior) needs full, direct sunlight for optimal health and growth. This plant should be planted in an area that offers at least 6-8 hours of sun exposure per day. It is important to avoid any partial shade or periods of continual shade, as this will affect the health of the plant and limit its flowering abilities. When growing Butterfly Milkweed, it is best to keep in mind that a few hours of morning sun exposure followed by a few hours of afternoon sun exposure is most ideal, as this will help to give the plant the maximum amount of sun exposure with the least amount of direct heat stress.

Butterfly Milkweed, also known as Asclepias tuberosa var. interior, should be pruned in late winter or early spring. It’s best to wait until after the last frost to prune for this species in order to ensure that the new growth isn’t damaged by an unexpected frost. Pruning should be done by removing the old, dead stems and leaves from the previous season. This allows for new, healthy growth to come through. After the initial pruning, Butterfly Milkweed should be cut back to about half its original size during mid to late summer. This will help to control the size of stems and leaves. It is also beneficial aesthetically, as it will give the plant a tidier, bushier appearance.