Perennials – Variegated Milkweed

• Variegated milkweed 

Botanical name: asclepias variegata 

Beginner friendly?: not really 

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

Bloom time:  spring, summer

Hardy zone:  4 – 10

Flower color: red, orange, yellow

Foliage color:  green,purple 

Growth rate:  grows about a foot a year 

Pruning instructions: cut down to half a foot off the ground in october. Continue to cut off any new leaves until after the last frost of the season has ended

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: adds unique color to a pollinator garden  

Light needs: 6 hours of sun a day

Special features: deer resistant 

Watering instructions:  water when the top 2 inches of soil has dried out

Fertilizing instructions : use 10-10-10 after the last frost of the season is over

Best time to plant: spring and fall

Best type of soil: clay or loam 

Companion plants: butterfly bush, joe pye-weeds, firecracker plant

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no