This hairy perennial has multiple slender erect stems from the base forming a compact rounded habit. It has large blue-green oblong leathery leaves and the purplish pink-star shaped flowers appear in a nodding spherical cluster above the foliage in early summer.

Hardiness zones 3 to 9 

Asclepias speciosa is naturally found from western to central North America extending from British Columbia to Texas growing in a variety of habitats including grasslands or along roadsides and in moist meadows or fields from sea level to an altitude of 1900 m (5,800 ft). 

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in most well-drained moderately fertile soils and is frost and drought tender.  

The Showy Milkweed is grown for its flowers and hardness. It is mass planted long borders or grown as a specimen in garden beds attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2-3 years and is moderately long-lived. This attractive perennial is also grown in patio pots and planter boxes requiring little care once established. ID 3636

Asclepias (as-KLEE-pee-us)  speciosa (SPEE-see-OH-sah)

Asclepiadaceae (ass-kle-pee-ad-AY-see-ee)