Asclepias 'Cinderella' Milkweed

Asclepias 'Cinderella' Milkweed is a breathtaking native wildflower that grows 36 to 60 inches tall, blooming profusely throughout the summer. Its dense clusters of small, vanilla-scented pink to mauve flowers are nectar-rich, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators in droves. The long, lush leaves provide an essential food source for monarch caterpillars, supporting their life cycle. If harvested, the blooms make stunning, long-lasting additions to fresh and dried floral arrangements, while the elegant seedpods that follow are perfect for seasonal displays.

A member of the Asclepias incarnata species, commonly called butterfly weed, milkweed, or swamp milkweed, 'Cinderella' is a cold-hardy perennial suited to Zones 3-9. This versatile plant is perfect for planting along stream banks or ponds and creates eye-catching garden borders. It's also a must-have addition to any butterfly garden and can thrive in containers.

Native to marshes, swamps, and bogs, 'Cinderella' thrives in sunny locations with medium to wet soil but adapts well to average garden soil as long as it remains consistently moist, especially in spring. This moisture-loving plant tolerates dry conditions once established, however, and is also deer resistant, making it a reliable, low-maintenance choice for any landscape.

Plant 'Cinderella' milkweed roots in spring, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart and 1½ to 2 inches deep. Once established, butterfly weed does not like to be disturbed, so choose its location carefully.

A native species found across the eastern and midwestern United States and Canada, swamp milkweed offers both beauty and environmental benefits. Naturally adapted to regional climates, it thrives without fertilizers or additional watering once established. By choosing native plants like this, gardeners can promote biodiversity, reduce pesticide use, and create habitats for wildlife and pollinators, bringing vitality to the garden.

Sap may cause skin irritation.