Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Perennial
Bloom
June — August
Color
Pink — Mauve
Height
24—36 inches
Spread
18—24 inches
Sun
Full sun to partial shade (4—6 hours)
Water
Low to moderate
A Colorado native perennial essential for monarch butterfly habitat and general pollinator support. The large, fragrant pink flower umbels bloom in early to midsummer and attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. This is the primary host for monarch butterfly larvae — milkweed is the only plant monarchs consume. Invaluable for ecological gardens.
Growing conditions
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy/loamy
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4—6 hours)
- Water: Low to moderate
- Drought tolerance: Very good
- Hardiness: Colorado native / adapted · USDA Zones 4–7
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value: High — monarchs, butterflies, bees
- Landscape use: Monarch habitat, pollinator gardens, xeriscape borders.
Want Showy Milkweed in your yard?
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