Milkweed (Asclepias) lifespan

[Ron Lane]

Approximately 5 years ago I planted a section of my butterfly garden
in Asclepias tuberosa (butterfly weed) and another section in
Asclepias incarnata (swamp milkweed). Both sections limped through
their first year and had banner blooms in their 2nd and 3rd years. By
the 4th year they were fading and now this summer I have no incarnata
and a 'slim picking' of tuberosa.

I have not read anywhere that this is normal for these plants to be
short-lived. Other plants planted at the same time have continued to
thrive: monarda, coneflower, rudbeckia, liatris, asters, etc. I
believe tuberosa doesn't like wet roots in the winter but I would have
thought that the incarnata a small distance away (downhill) would
thrive.

I would appreciate hearing about other's experiences with these plants
as I plan to keep them even if I must grow some from seed every 2-3
years.

PS: anyone have a source of seed for Asclepias curassavica?


Ron Lane
RL7329 at sprynet.com
Central NJ, USA