Asclepias

Asclepias - Milkweed

Asclepias has tuber like roots and white milk-sap. Many species of Asclepias have narrow elliptic foliage and lovely flowers which attract lots of insects. Asclepias is also a good cut flower. Sometimes the plant will produce green seed pods which split when ripe to release silky-hairy seeds. Asclepias needs a well-draining soil and a position in full sun. It will not tolerate wet feet in the winter. New shoots are formed quite late in spring so be aware if tidying the garden before this. Better to give Asclepias some protection in a hard frost.