Beautiful Pink Flowers
Produces attractive clusters of fragrant pink to rose-purple flowers during the summer flowering season.
Estimated Delivery:Nov 22 - Nov 26
Free Shipping on All Orders
Showy Asclepias speciosa, commonly known as Showy Milkweed, is a beautiful perennial wildflower native to western North America. It is recognized for its large clusters of fragrant pink to rose-purple flowers, broad green leaves, and upright growth habit. This attractive milkweed is valued in pollinator gardens because its flowers attract butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. It is also an important host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars and is suitable for native wildflower gardens and naturalized landscapes.
Produces attractive clusters of fragrant pink to rose-purple flowers during the summer flowering season.
Provides an important food source for monarch caterpillars and supports pollinator habitats.
Returns year after year and develops deep roots and underground rhizomes once established.
Suitable for native plant gardens, meadow plantings, and naturalized outdoor landscapes.
| Scientific Name | Asclepias speciosa |
| Common Name | Showy Milkweed; Greek Milkweed |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Seed Type | Perennial Wildflower Seeds |
| Plant Type | Herbaceous Perennial |
| Growth Habit | Upright, clumping, and spreading |
| Flower Color | Pink to rose-purple |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Generally Zones 3–9 |
| Planting Season | Fall or spring after cold stratification |
| Seed Starting | Surface sow or cover lightly; cold stratification can improve germination |
| Cold Stratification | Approximately 30–60 days of cold, moist conditions |
| Germination Time | Approximately 14–28 days under suitable conditions |
| Germination Temperature | Approximately 65–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Sunlight Requirements | Full sun |
| Soil Requirements | Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soil |
| Watering Needs | Moderate during establishment; drought tolerant once established |
| Blooming Season | Late spring to summer, depending on climate |
| Mature Plant Height | Approximately 2–5 feet |
| Plant Spacing | Approximately 12–24 inches |
| Wildlife Attraction | Monarch butterflies, bees, and other pollinators |
Grow Showy Asclepias speciosa to bring beautiful pink flowers and valuable pollinator habitat to your garden. Its fragrant blooms attract beneficial insects, while its foliage provides food for monarch butterfly caterpillars. With suitable sunlight, soil, and establishment care, this perennial wildflower can become a wonderful addition to naturalized gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Find helpful information about Showy Milkweed seed germination, monarch butterflies, and plant care.
Cold stratification can improve Showy Milkweed seed germination. Place seeds in a moist medium in the refrigerator for approximately 30–60 days before spring planting. Some seed collections may germinate without this treatment, so follow supplier guidance.
Yes. Showy Milkweed is an important host plant for monarch butterflies. Female monarchs lay eggs on milkweed plants, and the caterpillars feed on their leaves as they develop. Its flowers also attract bees and other pollinators.
Showy Milkweed generally blooms from late spring through summer, producing fragrant pink to rose-purple flower clusters. Mature plants commonly reach approximately 2–5 feet tall, depending on growing conditions and location.