Asclepias fruticosa

Asclepias fruticosa Details

Asclepias fruticosa, commonly known as the Swan Plant or Swan Milkweed, is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage, flowers, and ability to attract butterflies. The lush foliage is mid green and is a preferred food of Monarch Butterfly caterpillars. Cream coloured flowers held in clusters adorn the plant during summer and have a wax like appearance. The flowers then develop into large, green seed pods which are very distinctive. It grows with an upright habit to about 1.5 m tall and the same wide, performing best when planted on a well-drained, sheltered site that does not dry out. It is tolerant of mild frost only. Asclepias fruticosa is commonly included in a mixed planting, planted to attract Monarch Butterflies, added to cottage gardens, or used as a backdrop for smaller plants.