This mid to late summer heat-lover has big clusters of 1-inch blossoms in vivid scarlet-red, warm orange-red and gold. Butterflies visit the flowers constantly, unable to resist the large amounts of nectar within their bright blossoms. A handsome border plant with 2 to 3 foot flower stalks and blue-green leaves. Related to common butterfly weed, but much prettier, these flowers are lovely in bouquets and make colorful container plants. Also known as tropical milkweed, it is not hardy, so will not winter over in our area.

• Bloom - mid to late summer

• Height - 24-36”

• Spacing - 12”

• Exposure - Sun

• Hardiness - Annual

• Attributes - Butterflies, cutting

Remarks Asclepias needs excellent drainage and full sun, but no extra fertilizer except in very poor soil. Use for warm color in sunny borders where these plants are butterfly magnets. Bright Wings plants are also lovely in large patio planters. For longest lasting cut flowers, harvest either very early or late in the day only after two thirds of the florets are open. Do not sear stems in hot water when cutting as with other asclepias.

Asclepias curassivica