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Showy Milkweed has a similar appearance to Common Milkweed but its petals are longer and have pointed ends, giving the individual blooms a distinct star shape that is often liken to a royal crown. Its large, ovoid leaves have a gray-green color, sport a prominent central vein that is often pink, and are covered in fine hairs that give it a subtle velvety appearance. In June, rounded clusters of pale pink flowers sprout from the upper leaf axils of its thick, upright stems and persist through the hot summer months. These flowers attract an array of pollinators, most notably the endangered Monarch, which relies on milkweed for food and habitat at every point in its lifecycle. Spreads via rhizome to form a dense clump but is more manageable in small spaces than is Common Milkweed. Remove new shoots and seed pods if limited spread is desired. Hardy, drought-tolerant and resistant to deer and rabbit grazing.
Sun- Full
Soil- Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time- June, July, August
Color- Purple
Height- 4 ft
