MILKWEED
Family ASCLEPIADACEAE
Asclepias species
Perennial
Perennials of the border and as cut flowers,
natives of North America.
In Asclepia tuberosa the leaves are alternate,
long and narrow, and each stem bears several flower-heads
of small clustered flowers of brilliant orange
to a height of two to three feet.
The roots are tuberous and require to be planted
in a partially shaded position where the soil
has been enriched with leafmould. It will require
a year or so for the plants to become established,
and they are best allowed to remain undisturbed.
There is an even brighter form in the variety
“Vermilion”.
Another species, Asclepia incarnata, with opposite
leaves, is occasionally seen in gardens where
its flowers, borne in loose umbrels and of a rather
dull red-purple hue, are an attraction for bees.
It is a native of swamps and grows well in moist
soil.
Others are Asclepia purpurea, three to four feet,
with lilac flowers, and Asclepia speciosa, two
to three feet, with fragrant purplish flowers.
Propagation is by seed sown as soon as ripe, requiring
three years to attain the flowering stage.
The flowering season is in July and August.
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