Species whorled milkweed
white flowers and red-lime-green buds.

whorled milkweed

Asclepias verticillata

Also Known As - Eastern Whorled Milkweed
Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) is an amazing plant species with special properties that make it stand out from other milkweeds. It is drought-tolerant, able to thrive in clay or rocky soils, and has a high content of medicinal compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its unique leaves form a tufted whorl around the stem, and its cheerful clusters of yellow-orange flowers are beloved by pollinators. This milkweed species is an important host-plant for the Monarch butterfly, making it a valuable addition to the garden. Its deep roots and tough stems add to its hardiness, making it an essential part of the garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Root Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation,Stem Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) should be watered on a regular basis, typically about once a week or so. When watering, use lukewarm water and make sure that the soil is moistened to a depth of several inches. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to prevent over-watering. During the growing season, the plant may require more frequent watering. It is important to monitor the soil moisture to ensure the right amount of water is being supplied. Too much water can drown the plant, while too little water will cause the leaves to start to curl and wilt.

sunlight

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) grows best in full sun to partial shade, meaning it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. On days when the sun is especially hot or cold, it may benefit from some protection against the elements. It prefers morning and mid-day sun, and should be kept out of the afternoon sun where possible. During the warmer months, it may require some shade to protect it from the midday sun. During the winter months, it will need full sun for better growth and increased flower production.

pruning

When pruning whorled milkweed (Asclepias verticillata), it is important to prune lightly and only as needed. It should be pruned shortly after flowering, and again in late summer or early fall. When pruning, remove dead flowers, old stems, and any damaged or diseased growth. Remove any heavily branching stems to encourage the growth of longer, central stems. Pruning should be kept to a minimum though, as the plant will use resources to regrow any new or lost foliage.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Whorled milkweed typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map