Purple Milkweed Asclepias purpurascens SEEDS

$3.86
Purple Milkweed
Asclepias purpurascens

Bloom Time: June July
Bloom Color: Purple
Height: 3'
Part Shade to Full Sun
All Soil types
Zone: 4-9
Spacing 12-24"
Planting depth: 1/4"
Very nice plant that attracts many pollinators and looks great in the landscape or rain garden


*Seeds need to be Stratified for minimum 30 days.
If you live in a colder climate plant in Fall so seeds overwinter in cold weather. If planting in Spring to Summer or mild winters you can stratify seeds in your refrigerator for 30 days before planting. Instructions on how to do this will be included with your purchase.


Purple Milkweed looks similar to Rose Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) but the flower color is a rich red-purple color compared to the softer pink of Rose or Red Milkweed. It is also a smaller plant and is not seen growing in fully saturated soils as the Rose Milkweed. There are usually one to three blooms that form near the ends of the stems in late spring, early summer.

The flower is held above the leaves on stems a bit longer then Common Milkweed’s and the umbel itself is stiff, and holds a nicely rounded form, while that of the Common will flop a bit. Blooms can last for about a month and if seed is not set it will occasionally re-bloom. The average height is around 3 feet, but it will sometimes go to 4 feet. The flowers will attract a variety of nectar-seeking insects and is a larva host Monarch caterpillars. The leaves are big, around 6-8 inches and they taper to a point at both ends. The mid-vein in the leaves is tinted with the same color as the flower.

Grow Asclepias purpurascens in a site that is well drained but has ample moisture. It seems to prefer a bit of shade but will do well in full sun if it gets deep, regular watering. This Milkweed will not spread aggressively like the Common does.


Native plant seeds in general do not have very high germination rates. Plant a few seeds per 1 plant desired

approx 10 seeds