Perennial
Butterfly Weed
Asclepias tuberosa
Monrovia® varieties
Varieties We Carry
StandardAsclepias tuberosaWhiteAsclepias tuberosaPinkAsclepias tuberosa
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$4.95
1 galFrom$9.95
#2MonroviaFrom$15.95
Seed PackFrom$3.69
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightFull Sun
WaterLow
Mature size2-3 feet × 2-3 feet
About Butterfly Weed
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a native North American milkweed perennial with clusters of vivid orange to yellow-orange flowers atop branching stems, beloved by pollinators and an essential larval host plant for Monarch butterflies. Unlike most milkweeds it has a non-milky sap and grows from a deep, drought-resistant taproot. It is one of the showiest and most wildlife-valuable native perennials for sunny garden settings. Starting at $4.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Orange
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop.
Dormant — drops foliage.
Care essentials
Light
Plant in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida's intense summer heat, a site with morning sun and very brief midday respite is acceptable, but deep shade will reduce flowering significantly.
Water
Extremely drought tolerant once established due to its deep taproot. Water weekly for the first 6 weeks after planting, then reduce to rainfall only. Avoid clay or poorly drained sites, which will rot the taproot.
Soil & Fertilizer
Thrives in dry, sandy, infertile soils — conditions typical of NE Florida landscapes. Do not amend with organic matter or fertilize; rich soils promote lush growth at the expense of flowers and shorten the plant's lifespan.
Similar needs
Baby's Breath
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Beardtongue
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $7.95Same conditions
Black Eyed Susan
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Blanket Flower
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Calamint
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $6.95Same conditions
Carolina Wild Petunia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Butterfly Weed a good plant for St. Augustine?
Butterfly Weed is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.