Annual – Tropical Milkweed

Tropical Milkweed

Botanical name: asclepias curassavica 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: up to 3 ft in height with a 1-2 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 9-11 

Foliage color: green 

Flower color: pink/red, orange/yellow 

Bloom time: year-round 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune and deadhead as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings during the spring and summer months 

Landscape use: flower garden, pollinator garden, container plant 

Special features: considered a tender-perennial in zone 8 climates, long lasting blooms, attracts pollinators, disease resistant, deer resistant 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring 

Best type of soil: loam, sand 

Companion plants: zinnia, lantana, penta, salvia 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: potentially invasive