'Cinderella' is an easy care perennial, offering three months of vanilla scented, rose pink flowers in large, compact clusters from midsummer to early fall. Deadheading the flowers will stimulate another bloom cycle about a month after the first one. The flowers, which are heavily laden with nectar and pollen, are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. In late summer typical milkweed seed pods develop which rupture to reveal seeds with long, silvery-white, silky hairs. The pods are great to use in dried flower arrangements. This species grows in loose clumps by means of slowly creeping rhizomes. It is not invasive and can be safely mixed in with other perennials in the border. Ascelpias incarnata is native to North America.
- Height: 91-132 cm (3-5 ft)
- Spread: 30 - 91 cm (1-3 ft)
- Cold Hardiness: zone 3 - 9
- Sun or Shade: minimum 6 hours of direct sun
- Bloom Time: mid summer to early fall
- Leaf Colour: green shades
- Bloom Colour: shades of pink
- Critter Resistance: deer resistant
- Nature Attraction: butterflies, bees and hummingbirds
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Asclepias incarnata grows best in moist to wet soils, but will tolerate drier conditions. This species, unlike A. tuberosa, prefers humus-rich soil. A full day of sun is best. Once established, Swamp Milkweed requires little care. Though it is perfectly cold-hardy in the north, mulching plants in winter will help prevent frost-heaving. It is excellent for cutting, although you must sear the stem to seal it. In spring, trim back last year's growth and await the beautiful new foliage which will appear a bit later than other perennials.
Specials
Nativar