Swamp Milkweed Question

11 years ago

This is my first summer working on my pollinator garden and I planted four young swamp milkweed this that I purchased from our farmers market this summer. Each plant had two canes growing. Including a picture of what they looked like when I first planted them.

They've grown quite a bit taller and one of them has even bloomed but they have not grown any additional canes. I'm in no hurry and understand plants need time to establish roots before they usually take off but I am wondering how these spread as they mature so that I can plant accordingly.

Will they grow additional canes as they mature or will they just grow two canes every year? I plan on planting more next year but wanted to make sure that I don't plant too many since i know these don't like to be transplanted.

If anyone has any pictures of what theirs look like matured that would be so helpful. Having this growing in my garden has really been a joy. I'm currently raising two monarch caterpillars I found in my garden. Looking forward to releasing them as butterflies.

Thank you :o)
Michaela

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Comments (5)

Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Just realized this probably would have been more on topic under the butterfly gardening forum. Hopefully it's still okay since they are a perennial. :o)

Michaela
aachenelf z5 Mpls
11 years ago
If your plant is in fact Asclepias incarnata, expect it to grow larger every year - many, many more stems each year. If it's happy in your location, you can expect it to easily reach 3 feet across and 3 feet tall. At least mine did before it died.

Kevin
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Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Kevin

Are you thinking that mine is not swamp milkweed for some reason? It was labeled as swamp milkweed from a local nursery that I find to be very reliable and it has bloomed and the blooms look just like swamp milkweed images I have looked up online. Just curious since you seemed skeptical.

Thanks for the feedback on the size. That's very helpful!
aachenelf z5 Mpls
11 years ago
It looks like Asclepias incarnata, but whenever a common name like 'Swamp Milkweed' is used, I am always skeptical as to what a plant really is. That's just me. Nothing to worry about.

Kevin
Michaela (Zone 5b - Iowa)
Original Author
11 years ago
Kevin - thanks for your response. I can never remember the scientific names for milkweed so I just go for the common name.