Showy Milkweed
Asclepias speciosa
Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 30 in tall and 12 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water30 in tall and 12 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistantToxic to dogs
Photos
- Photo 1: vicki watkins from USA, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY)
- Photo 2: P. Hughes, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: Jasper Shide, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
- Photo 4: (c) sharondulava, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 30 in tall and 12 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~8–12 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- pink, purple
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Things to know before you plant
- Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
- Spreads aggressivelySpreads via underground rhizomes; place where it can roam
Planting & establishment
Native perennial; deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Showy Milkweed good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Showy Milkweed is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Showy Milkweed?
- The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet. Spreads via underground rhizomes; place where it can roam
- How big does Showy Milkweed get?
- It matures to about 30 in tall and 12 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Showy Milkweed?
- Space Showy Milkweed about 8 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 12 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Showy Milkweed hardy on the Front Range?
- Showy Milkweed is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Showy Milkweed need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Showy Milkweed safe for dogs?
- No. Showy Milkweed is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
- Is Showy Milkweed deer-resistant?
- Showy Milkweed is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Showy Milkweed a good firewise plant near the house?
- Showy Milkweed is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Showy Milkweed bloom?
- Showy Milkweed blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
