The brilliant flowers of the Yellow Tropical Milkweed are a gorgeous feature of this easy-care plant. Still, perhaps the most noteworthy feature is that pollinators, particularly monarch butterflies, are drawn to the blooms. The flowers bloom from late spring until fall, and the fragrant flowers will attract plenty of pollinators. The green lance-shaped foliage has a pronounced light green midrib and veining. This plant is also known as Asclepias curassavica or Mexican Butterfly Weed. This plant is native to warmer regions of North America, and it requires very little care to thrive. Feature in a border, mass planting, or along a foundation wall, and trim the flowers to use in cut or dried arrangements. Consider placing the plant near a window or patio to admire the butterflies that feed on the flowers. Yellow Tropical Milkweed grows as an annual in most areas, but it is a perennial in USDA growing zones 9 through 11. Yellow Tropical Milkweed Care At least 6 hours of sunlight are needed to support this striking plant, so find a spot that receives full sun. Use rich, moist soil and water when the top several inches of the soil dry out. The soil should allow drainage because as much as this plant likes moist conditions, it does not like wet feet. Apply a layer of organic compost during the spring or use a slow-release fertilizer. The growth will die back in most areas when the weather turns cold but cut back the flowers before they go to seed in warm regions. Trimming back spent blooms will prevent the plant from self-seeding and also ensure butterflies do not disrupt their migration patterns. Yellow Tropical Milkweed Spacing Mature Yellow Tropical Milkweed will be 24 to 36 inches tall and wide. Space plants 26 to 36 inches center to center when used in a mass planting or leave more room if you want to admire the plant from all sides.Yellow Tropical Milkweed Information USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11Plant Type: PerennialsLight Exposure: Full Sun (6+ Hours Direct Sunlight)Mature Height: 2 – 3 FeetMature Spread: 2 – 3 FeetMature Spacing: 2 – 3 FeetHabit: UprightFlower Color(s): YellowFlower Description: Golden YellowBloom Period: SummerFoliage Type: EvergreenFoliage Color(s): GreenFoliage Description: Ovate, toothed leavesSeasonal Interest: Summer FloweringWatering: AverageResists: DeerTolerates: N/AAttracts: Bees, Butterflies, HummingbirdsUses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife GardensFeatures: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Native to North AmericaBrand: Proven WinnersCommon Name: Yellow Tropical MilkweedOther Name(s): Scientific Name: Asclepias curassavica
