Aquatic Milkweed

Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis)

Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis), also known as White Swamp Milkweed, is a moisture-loving, pollinator-friendly perennial valued for its delicate white and pink flower clusters and its role as a host plant for monarch butterflies. Thriving in wetland habitats, this native species is an excellent addition to rain gardens, pond edges, and pollinator-focused landscapes.

Distinctive Features

Aquatic Milkweed features slender, upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped green leaves that provide a soft backdrop for its fragrant white flowers, often tinged with pink. Blooming from late spring through summer, this species offers a long-lasting nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its seed pods open in fall, releasing silky seeds that spread naturally in the wind.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Prefers moist to wet, well-draining soil; thrives in loamy or clay soils.
• Water: High water needs; ideal for consistently damp or seasonally flooded areas.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9, best suited to warm and humid climates.

Ideal Uses

• Pollinator Gardens: Provides nectar and a host plant for monarch butterflies.
• Rain Gardens: Thrives in wet soil conditions.
• Wetland Restoration: Supports native ecosystems in riparian areas.
• Pond and Stream Banks: Ideal for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion.
• Naturalized Landscapes: Complements native wildflower meadows and restoration projects.

Low Maintenance Care

Aquatic Milkweed is an easy-care perennial that requires minimal upkeep once established.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist; does not tolerate prolonged dry conditions.
• Pruning: Remove spent flowers to extend blooming and control self-seeding.
• Fertilizing: Generally does not require fertilization; benefits from organic compost in early spring.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Resistant to deer and rabbits; attracts beneficial insects.
• Winter Care: Cut back stems in late fall or early spring for a tidy appearance.

Why Choose Aquatic Milkweed?

Aquatic Milkweed is a beautiful, pollinator-friendly plant that provides long-lasting color and ecological benefits to gardens.

• Elegant White and Pink Blooms: Delicate flower clusters add beauty to wet landscapes.
• Monarch Butterfly Host: Supports the lifecycle of monarch caterpillars.
• Moisture-Loving: Thrives in consistently wet soils and rain gardens.
• Low Maintenance: Requires little care once established.
• Wildlife-Friendly: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

For a graceful, pollinator-supporting, and easy-to-grow addition to wetland gardens, Aquatic Milkweed (Asclepias perennis) is an outstanding choice.