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 by deep rhizomes and colonizes open ground; give it a hard edge or a root barrier and pull runners that stray

How far apart do I plant Showy Milkweed?

Space Showy Milkweed about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Showy Milkweed hardy on the Front Range?

Showy Milkweed is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.

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.

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Showy Milkweed

Asclepias speciosa

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 30 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. CO native perennial; supports pollinators.

Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water30 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic 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 to 9
Water needs: low water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate
Site uses: Slopes & erosion control

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 30 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 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: Not rated
Colorado native: Yes
Native ecoregion: shortgrass prairie, foothills

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

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 by deep rhizomes and colonizes open ground; give it a hard edge or a root barrier and pull runners that stray

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 by deep rhizomes and colonizes open ground; give it a hard edge or a root barrier and pull runners that stray
How big does Showy Milkweed get?: It matures to about 30 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Showy Milkweed?: Space Showy Milkweed about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Showy Milkweed hardy on the Front Range?: Showy Milkweed is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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.
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.