Orange Butterfly Weed is known botanically as Asclepias tuberosa. It is a common roadside wildflower in many parts of the country. It has a tidy growth habit and attractive orange flowers. As it's common name indicates, butterflies like it.

I haven't grown it, but you should have no trouble with it if you keep an eye on it, watering so it doesn't wilt while becoming established. It appears to be a hardy grower.

Jim

Jim,

That's what I found when I googled Butterfly Weed, but that is not what I have--At least I don't think it is. The tag says butterfly weed Asciepias Curassacica Orange-Its about 4 1/2 feet tall and it reminds me of Olandandor with orange/reddish flowers. Is this butterfly weed?

Jeff

Jeff, what you have is most probably Asclepias curassavica. See the link below for more information. I have grown it before but is not hardy in my zone 7a garden. It is still a great milkweed for attracting butterflies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Asclepias curassavica

I grow it as an annual up here and love it but then I'm a Milkweed nut! It might make it as a perennial in your zone. Save the seed when the pointy pods split open if you wish, very easy to grow. If started in early spring, Asclepias curassavica will bloom it's little butt off all season. Plant close together, they have a narrow growth habit in my experience. Enjoy, the butterflies will!

Thanks Pam.

I bought it becase of the color of the blooms and as of this morning it is still blooming. It was 83 degrees on Saturday but cooling off this week into the upper 20's. I expect the blooms will go after that. Gulf Coast Weather!