Gay Butterflies Milkweed

Gay Butterflies Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies')

Gay Butterflies Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa 'Gay Butterflies') is a colorful, long-blooming perennial known for its bright, nectar-rich flower clusters in shades of red, orange, and yellow. This butterfly magnet adds vibrant, drought-tolerant beauty to native gardens, pollinator habitats, and sun-drenched borders.

Distinctive Features

Reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and about 18 to 24 inches wide, this cultivar of Butterfly Weed features sturdy, upright stems and narrow, lance-shaped green leaves. From early to late summer, it produces dense clusters of blooms in a fiery mix of warm tones. Its deep taproot supports excellent drought resistance, while its flowers draw butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic
• Water Needs: Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9

Ideal Uses

• Focal point in butterfly and pollinator gardens
• Native prairie and meadow plantings
• Sunny borders and mixed perennial beds
• Mass plantings for bold color impact
• Low-maintenance landscapes and xeriscapes

Low Maintenance Care

• Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly
• Do not transplant once established due to deep taproot
• Deadhead to extend bloom and reduce reseeding
• Cut back in late fall or early spring
• Requires no fertilization in lean soils

Why Choose Gay Butterflies Milkweed

• Fiery mix of red, orange, and yellow blooms
• Essential nectar source for monarchs and other pollinators
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
• Native perennial that thrives in poor, dry soils
• A bold, wildlife-friendly focal point for sunny spaces

Gay Butterflies Milkweed delivers intense summer color, ecological value, and exceptional hardiness�making it a vibrant and reliable focal point in pollinator gardens, meadows, and waterwise landscapes.