In addition to being beautiful, Milkweed is a very important plant because it is a host for the beloved MONARCH butterfly. Monarch larvae feed exclusively on Milkweeds. That means if there is no Milkweed, there would be no Monarchs :( It is also an important nectar plant for bees & other insects.
The common name Milkweed was given to this plant because of its milky juice. The scientific name comes from Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, because of the many folk-medicinal uses for the milkweed plants.
Name: Pink Milkweed Other Common Names: Common Milkweed Scientific Name: Asclepias Syriaca Color: Pink/Mauve/White Plant Seeds: Outdoors After Frost / Indoors Weeks Before Last Frost Bloom Time: Summer Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9 Plant Height: 36 - 48" Plant Spacing: 18 - 24" Light Requirements: Sun - Part Shade Soil & Water Preferences: Average - Dry
I do not have an indoor garden so I am waiting until spring to plant. I will try planting closer to Feb or March in small pods watering with spray bottle, and slowly introduce the plants to outdoor conditions.