Asclepias tuberosa
Butterfly weed, Pleurisy root, Chigger flower, Indian paintbrush, Tuber root
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a dramatic perennial which produces clear orange flowers. These are held in clusters at the top of the stem, composed of spiky looking little flowerlets. The plant has upright stems with long slender oblong leaflets arching out from the stem. It flowers from June through August and likes dry acidic soil in full sunshine. It reaches up to 90cm (3ft) in height, though often only achieves two thirds that.
- Flower colour
- Orange
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Prairie garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 5C & above (RHS H1c)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Harmful if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Found in
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