Overview

Introduce a vital native wildflower to your garden with our 10 Butterfly Weed Bare Root plants. Also known as Asclepias tuberosa plants or Pleurisy Root, this vibrant perennial is a cornerstone for any pollinator garden, especially for monarch butterflies. Unlike other milkweeds, Butterfly Weed does not produce milky sap, making it a unique and attractive addition. Each order provides 10 healthy bare roots, ready for planting, ensuring a thriving display of bright orange flowers that will captivate both humans and pollinators alike. This drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plant is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems and add a splash of cheerful color to their landscape. The unique growth habit and stunning blooms make Asclepias tuberosa plants a conversation starter and a true garden delight.

Our butterfly weed bare root plants are organically grown, ensuring you receive a natural and robust foundation for your garden. These bare roots are harvested per order and shipped promptly to maintain their vitality, providing you with the best possible start for your new plants. Planting instructions are included to guide you in choosing the ideal location and conditions for successful growth. Embrace the beauty and ecological significance of this milkweed native wildflower by adding it to your home garden, contributing to the health and biodiversity of your local environment.

Key Benefits

Cultivating Asclepias tuberosa plants in your garden offers a wealth of advantages, from ecological support to aesthetic appeal. These plants are not only beautiful but also play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife.

• Pollinator Magnetism: Butterfly Weed is renowned for its ability to attract a wide array of pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies, making it an essential plant for a butterfly garden plants. Its vibrant orange flowers provide a rich source of nectar.
• Native Ecosystem Support: As a milkweed native wildflower, it contributes significantly to the health of local ecosystems, providing crucial habitat and food for native insects and wildlife. Planting native species helps maintain biodiversity.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, butterfly weed bare root plants are highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering and making them an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. This resilience reduces the need for constant care.
• Low Maintenance: This perennial is relatively low-maintenance, thriving in various conditions without extensive care. It’s a perfect plant for both experienced gardeners and those new to gardening.
• Vibrant Aesthetic Appeal: The brilliant orange flowers of the Butterfly Weed provide a striking visual impact, adding a burst of color to any garden landscape throughout the summer months.
• Deer Resistant: Butterfly Weed is generally resistant to deer, which is a significant advantage for gardeners in areas where deer browsing is a concern.
• Medicinal History: Historically, pleurisy root has been used for various medicinal purposes, though it’s primarily valued today for its ecological benefits and beauty.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your butterfly weed bare root plants is straightforward, as these resilient native wildflowers are accustomed to thriving in diverse conditions. For optimal growth, choose a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. This ensures robust flowering and healthy plant development. Well-draining soil is crucial, as Asclepias tuberosa plants do not tolerate soggy conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage.

When planting your milkweed native wildflower bare roots, dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Place the crown (where the stem meets the roots) about an inch below the soil surface. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. Once established, Butterfly Weed is highly drought-tolerant and will only require supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Fertilization is generally not necessary, especially in rich soils, as excessive nutrients can lead to lush foliage but fewer flowers. If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can be beneficial. Watch out for aphids, which can sometimes be a pest; a strong spray of water or insecticidal soap can usually manage them. This hardy pleurisy root perennial is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a reliable choice for a vibrant garden.

Size & Details

You will receive 10 Butterfly Weed Bare Root plants, ready for immediate planting. Each bare root is carefully harvested to ensure maximum vitality upon arrival. These plants typically grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) and spread about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, forming a sturdy, upright clump. The growth rate is moderate, with established plants flowering profusely from early summer through fall, providing an extended season of color and pollinator activity. The mature size makes them ideal for borders, mass plantings, or naturalized areas in your butterfly garden plants. Expect vibrant orange flowers, which are flat-topped clusters that attract a wide range of beneficial insects. The plants will establish a strong root system in their first year, with significant flowering occurring in the second year and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get? A: Butterfly Weed Bare Root plants typically grow to a height of 1 to 3 feet (30-90 cm) and spread 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) wide. They form a sturdy, upright clump that adds significant visual interest to your garden.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: This is an outdoor plant. Asclepias tuberosa plants are native wildflowers that thrive in full sun conditions in garden beds, naturalized areas, and borders. They are not suitable for indoor cultivation.
• Q: How much sunlight does it need? A: Butterfly Weed requires full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, for optimal growth and abundant flowering. Less sun may result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, milkweed native wildflower is considered very easy to care for once established. It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in? A: You will receive 10 healthy bare root plants. These roots are harvested per order and shipped promptly to ensure they arrive in good condition and are ready for planting upon arrival.
• Q: How long until it blooms? A: While the plants will establish in the first year, significant flowering from your butterfly weed bare root plants usually occurs in the second year after planting. Once established, they will bloom reliably from early summer through fall.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone? A: Yes, Asclepias tuberosa plants are hardy perennials. They are generally hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, meaning they will return year after year in most temperate climates.
• Q: What is pleurisy root used for? A: Historically, pleurisy root has been known for its traditional medicinal uses, particularly for respiratory ailments. Today, it is primarily valued for its ecological benefits as a crucial pollinator plant and its ornamental beauty in gardens.
• Q: Can I plant these in a container? A: While possible, Butterfly Weed prefers to establish a deep taproot, making it better suited for in-ground planting where it has ample space to grow. If using a container, choose a very large, deep pot.
• Q: Is this plant safe for pets? A: While Butterfly Weed is a host plant for monarch caterpillars, some parts of milkweeds can be toxic if ingested in large quantities by pets. It’s always best to exercise caution and prevent pets from consuming plant material.