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Bloodflower Milkweed

CA$5.95

Brilliant red and orange blooms grown to support monarchs and pollinators

Bloodflower Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a striking milkweed species known for its vivid red and orange flower clusters and its important role in supporting monarch butterflies. Blooming from early summer until frost, bloodflower brings continuous colour, movement, and pollinator activity to garden beds and containers.

Our own farm-grown Bloodflower Milkweed seeds (Asclepias curassavica) are offered for organic growing. All seeds are grown on our farm without the use of chemicals and are open-pollinated, hybrid-free, and GMO-free.

Each package contains 30+ seeds.

Brilliant red and orange blooms grown to support monarchs and pollinators

Bloodflower Milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is a striking milkweed species known for its vivid red and orange flower clusters and its important role in supporting monarch butterflies. Blooming from early summer until frost, bloodflower brings continuous colour, movement, and pollinator activity to garden beds and containers.

Our own farm-grown Bloodflower Milkweed seeds (Asclepias curassavica) are offered for organic growing. All seeds are grown on our farm without the use of chemicals and are open-pollinated, hybrid-free, and GMO-free.

Each package contains 30+ seeds.

Why Grow Bloodflower Milkweed?
Bloodflower milkweed is one of the most reliable and floriferous milkweeds for pollinator gardens. It serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars while providing abundant nectar for adult butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. Easy to grow and long blooming, bloodflower is especially well suited to gardeners who want to support pollinators while enjoying bold, continuous colour.

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PLANT DETAILS

Common Names
Bloodflower Milkweed, Tropical Milkweed

Botanical Name
Asclepias curassavica

Plant Family
Apocynaceae (Milkweed Family)

Native Range
Central and South America

Life Cycle
Tender perennial (grown as an annual in cold climates)

Hardiness Zone
8–11 (grown as an annual in Zones 2–7)

Habit
Upright, branching plant growing 3–4 feet tall. Produces striking clusters of bright red and orange flowers with yellow accents from early summer until frost. Highly attractive to monarch butterflies and other pollinators.

Sun/Soil
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Adaptable to a range of soil types and tolerant of heat and drought once established.

Germination/Sowing
Seeds germinate readily when sown in warm soil. Start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow outdoors after danger of frost has passed. Keep soil evenly moist during germination.

Growing/Care
Easy to grow with minimal care. Regular deadheading encourages continuous blooming. In colder climates, plants will not survive winter and are grown as annuals. In warmer regions, cut back plants to encourage fresh growth.

Harvesting
Primarily grown for ornamental and ecological purposes rather than harvest.

Culinary Uses
None. May be toxic if ingested.

Medicinal Uses
Historically, Asclepias curassavica was used in traditional herbal practices in small, carefully prepared doses as an expectorant and antispasmodic; however, due to its toxicity, it is not commonly used in modern herbalism and is best grown for ornamental and pollinator value.

Themes
Pollinator Garden, Butterfly Garden, Ornamental Annual, Tropical Perennial, Easy to Grow, Monarch Host Plant.