It’s easy to fall in love with ‘Cinderella’ Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) – just ask the Monarchs! The pale pink buds bloom into vibrant, rose-pink flowers that persist from midsummer to early fall. The flowers are heavily laden with nectar for butterflies, who in turn, disperse their pollen sacs. It grows upright clumps that reach up to four feet tall with handsome narrow leaves. The blooms last for over three months, and when they finish, crescent-shaped seed pods take their place. Flowers are followed by appealing seed pods in the fall that are filled with fluffy, wind-dispersed seeds. The blooms and milkweed pods are excellent in cut arrangements, but be aware of the toxic milky sap it exudes when cut.
Milkweeds, including ‘Cinderella’ Swamp Milkweed, are essential for the Monarch lifecycle. Their relationship includes more than just swapping nectar for pollination. Caterpillars exclusively feed on their leaves, which are filled with cardenolides. Cardenolides are stored in the bodies of Monarch caterpillars and butterflies as a defense against predators. Without Milkweed, we wouldn’t have Monarchs!
Vital Details:
Plant Size: 3 – 5′ tall x 1-3′ wide.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day).
Water: Average moisture.
Hardiness: USDA zone 3-9 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator Value: Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinating plants.
Host Plant To The Following: Monarch butterfly, Queen butterfly, Soldier butterfly.
Notable Features: Fragrant, great cut flowers, long-blooming, deer resistant, multiple seasons of interest, low maintenance.
Plant Name: Asclepias incarnata ‘Cinderella’