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Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
2 hours care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Asclepias incarnata
Other names
Swamp milkweed, Water nerveroot, Rose milkweed, Rose milkflower, Swamp silkweed, Swamp silkweed, White Indian hemp
Genus
Asclepias Asclepias
Species
A. incarnata - A. incarnata is an erect, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with narrowly lance-shaped to narrowly elliptic, pointed, mid- to dark green leaves and clustered cymes of fragrant, purple-pink, mauve, or white flowers from midsummer into autumn. Flowers are followed by erect, green pods splitting when ripe to release silky-hairy seeds.
Asclepias incarnata is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
Sap is toxic if ingested.
Flower
White in Summer; White in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Whitefly Whitefly
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage a second flowering. Cut back in early spring.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in spring.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Wildflower, Waterside, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile soil in full sun. Suitable for use near a pond or stream. Foliage is slow to emerge in spring. Best if left undisturbed once established. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Asclepias incarnata
Other names
Swamp milkweed, Water nerveroot, Rose milkweed, Rose milkflower, Swamp silkweed, Swamp silkweed, White Indian hemp
Genus
Asclepias Asclepias
Species
A. incarnata - A. incarnata is an erect, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with narrowly lance-shaped to narrowly elliptic, pointed, mid- to dark green leaves and clustered cymes of fragrant, purple-pink, mauve, or white flowers from midsummer into autumn. Flowers are followed by erect, green pods splitting when ripe to release silky-hairy seeds.
Native to
Northeastern United States, Southeastern United States
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Upright
Toxicity
Sap is toxic if ingested.
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Colour
Flower
White in Summer; White in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Diseases
Generally disease free
General care
Pruning
Deadhead to encourage a second flowering. Cut back in early spring.
Propagation
Sow seed in a cold frame in spring.
Propagation methods
Basal cuttings, Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Wildflower, Waterside, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Beds and borders, Wildlife
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile soil in full sun. Suitable for use near a pond or stream. Foliage is slow to emerge in spring. Best if left undisturbed once established. Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3
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Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
Asclepias incarnata (Swamp milkweed)
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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