Swamp Milkweed

Swamp milkweed is one of the best wildlife plants for the garden. Its pink flowers attract pollinators, and its leaves feed the monarch butterfly caterpillar. Easy to grow Showy in flower Monarch host plant Details 3 to 4 ft. tall and wide  Clump-forming habit that doesn't spread Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5, 6, 7, and 8 Flowering period In central North Carolina, swamp milkweed flowers for four to six weeks between June and August. How to grow Don’t let the name fool you, swamp milkweed is just as happy growing in a moist garden as it is in a swamp. Plants prefer moist, rich soil, but are surprisingly adaptable and can tolerate periodic drought in heavier soil types. Plant in full sun to keep plants compact and make staking unnecessary. Care and maintenance Cut down old stems to ground level any time through the winter. Plants in drier soil may need to be watered during periods of drought. 30-second video of spicebush swallowtail butterflies feeding on swamp milkweed flowers