Butterfly Weed
identification
description
Bright Pollinator Magnet: Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa), offered by OSC Seeds
Butterfly Weed is a native perennial in Ontario, prized for its vibrant orange flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators from June to September. This compact, mound-shaped plant grows to about 60 cm tall and thrives in sunny, dry gardens, with excellent heat and drought tolerance. Hardy to zone 3, it’s an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens and natural landscapes.
Spread: 45 to 60 cm
Plant Height: 60 cm
Packet Size: Approximately 30 seeds
Companion Plants: Black-eyed Susan, coneflower, yarrow
Enemy Plants: None known
How to Grow:
Start seeds indoors in soilless mix in early March for late-summer blooms. Maintain a temperature of 20°C for germination in 10 to 20 days. Once germinated, place seedlings under light at 15°C, harden them off, and transplant them outdoors in a sunny spot after the last frost. Alternatively, sow outdoors in mid-October for natural winter stratification.
Butterfly Weed is perfect for pollinator gardens, adding a burst of color while providing vital nectar and shelter for butterflies. A must-have for a vibrant and lively garden!
