Family
Asclepiadaceae
Botanical Name
Asclepias variegata
Plant Common Name
Redring Milkweed
General Description
The snowy flowers of this hardy perennial brighten woodlands of eastern and central North America in late spring and early summer.
A favorite food of Monarch butterfly caterpillars, the oval leaves of this clump-forming perennial are paired along upright, knee- to waist-high stems. In late spring, dome-shaped, many-flowered clusters of small white waxy blooms appear near the stem tips. The flowers have five petals, a red-purple center, and a five-lobed “crown" comprising five spreading "hoods." The blooms are very attractive to butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. Large fleshy green cone-shaped fruit pods follow the bloom, becoming dry and leathery as they ripen. Ripe pods split down one side to reveal many seeds topped with airy plumes of silvery white hairs that catch the wind and carry the seeds away.
Redring milkweed thrives in full to partial sun and well-drained, average soil. It is sensitive to disturbance, so plants do not transplant well and are best propagated from seed. This adaptable and desirable perennial is great for naturalistic plantings such as wildflower and butterfly gardens. The dried pods are also used in everlasting flower arrangements making these plants equally suitable for cutting gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-3' / 0.3m - 0.9m
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Width
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Yellow Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
