Blood Flower Asclepias Curassavica is an erect, evergreen perennial sub-shrub that is often grown as an annual. Blood Flower seeds are better to start indoors and transplant after last frost to a desirable area. Other common names of this plant are Swallow-Wort, Butterfly Weed, Scarlet Milkweed and Mexican Milkweed. Like most Milkweeds, this variety features opposite leaves and produces orange-red flowers forming terminal and auxiliary clusters that are 2-4 in across. Its dependable bright orange and red flowers stand out against the dark green foliage. Mexican Milkweed blooms non-stop from spring until fall attracting butterflies, bees and hummingbirds.
Blood Flower looks great in perennial borders and meadow gardens. Mexican Milkweed is a thin, unobtrusive little plant that can be squeezed in among other perennials and shrubs and still counted on to show off its pretty flowers. Asclepias Curassavica seeds germinate fast, and the growing Butterfly Weed thrives in full sun and dry or moist soils. Scarlet Milkweed has become a naturalized weed in tropical and subtropical pastures, fields and disturbed areas throughout the world.
PLANT PROFILE
Season: Perennial/Annual
Height: 18-36 Inches
Bloom Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Environment: Full Sun
Soil Type: Rich, Moist well-drained, pH 6.1-7.5
USDA Zones: 8-11 (As Perennial) All Regions of North America (As Annual)
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Sow Indoors: Spring (6-8 weeks before last frost)
Sow Outdoors: Spring
Seed Depth: 1/8 Inch
Germination Time: 14-21 Days
