JOIN NOW LOG IN
iVillage GardenWeb iVillage GardenWeb THE INTERNET'S GARDEN & HOME COMMUNITY ADVERTISEMENT
Blogs Forums Photo Galleries Ask The Experts Tools & Directories        
Return to the Garden Experiments Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

Posted by Jeff703 Z8 TX Houston (My Page) on
Tue, Nov 15, 05 at 22:41

I know better, but I bought a plant I know nothing about. It's called "Orange Butterfly Weed". Does anyone know what it is and how to care for it.

Jeff-Houston


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

Orange Butterfly Weed is known botanically as Asclepias tuberosa. It is a common roadside wildflower in many parts of the country. It has a tidy growth habit and attractive orange flowers. As it's common name indicates, butterflies like it.

I haven't grown it, but you should have no trouble with it if you keep an eye on it, watering so it doesn't wilt while becoming established. It appears to be a hardy grower.

Jim


 o
RE: What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

Jim,

That's what I found when I googled Butterfly Weed, but that is not what I have--At least I don't think it is. The tag says butterfly weed Asciepias Curassacica Orange-Its about 4 1/2 feet tall and it reminds me of Olandandor with orange/reddish flowers. Is this butterfly weed?

Jeff


 o
RE: What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

Jeff, what you have is most probably Asclepias curassavica. See the link below for more information. I have grown it before but is not hardy in my zone 7a garden. It is still a great milkweed for attracting butterflies.

Here is a link that might be useful: Asclepias curassavica


 o
RE: What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

  • Posted by Pam_AA z5 Berwyn Il. (My Page) on
    Tue, Dec 6, 05 at 2:13

I grow it as an annual up here and love it but then I'm a Milkweed nut! It might make it as a perennial in your zone. Save the seed when the pointy pods split open if you wish, very easy to grow. If started in early spring, Asclepias curassavica will bloom it's little butt off all season. Plant close together, they have a narrow growth habit in my experience. Enjoy, the butterflies will!


 o
RE: What is Orange Butterfly Weed?

Thanks Pam.

I bought it becase of the color of the blooms and as of this morning it is still blooming. It was 83 degrees on Saturday but cooling off this week into the upper 20's. I expect the blooms will go after that. Gulf Coast Weather!


 
 

 

 


Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.



iVillage GardenWeb: The Internet's Garden & Home Community  
  iVillage Home & Garden Network