Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies' - Gay Butterflies butterfly weed
DESCRIPTION
Gay Butterflies butterfly weedAsclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies'
Plants bloom in shades of fiery red, orange, and yellow in June and July and sometimes even longer. They are irresistible to butterflies and hummingbirds love them too. The fragrant flowers are a nutritious treat for a wide variety of beneficial insects. It is also the host plant for Monarch butterflies. Plant in a sunny site with well-drained soil. Drought tolerant once established. Deer resistant.
BENEFITS
- Bright flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies
- Host plant for Grey Hairstreak, Monarch and Queen butterflies
- Seedpods are often used in dried flower arrangements
- Essential plant if you want to attract butterflies
- Prefers moist, rocky soils, but will grow in dry situations too
- Deer tend to leave this plant alone
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Sandy soils and upland woods; New Hampshire to South Dakota south to Arizona, Mexico and Florida.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
Interesting Facts
Milkweeds are the host plant for Monarch butterflies. The entire lifecycle of these butterflies, from caterpillars to adults, revolves around this plant.
GROWING TIPS
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Plants have deep taproots and are best left undisturbed once established. Like many milkweeds, plants are slow to emerge from the ground in spring.