Bright carmine-red flowers with golden-yellow centers, clustered in umbels. Ideal as a cut flower, best grown as an annual.
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| From 5000 seeds for €0,007 per seed | |
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly', also known as tropical milkweed or papilionaceous milkweed, is a striking, sun-loving summer bloomer that transforms any garden or greenhouse into a tropical paradise of color. With its fiery crimson flowers and golden yellow centers, this plant is an absolute eye-catcher—loved by gardeners, cut flower growers, and butterflies alike.
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' blooms profusely from June to October with umbels of small, star-shaped flowers in intense shades of red and yellow. This combination of warm colors gives the plant an almost exotic character, making it a perfect fit for summer borders, tropical corners, or sunny patios.
The flowers are not only attractive to the eye but also to insects. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators are strongly attracted to the nectar, making the Red Butterfly truly worthy of its name.
Growing to a height of about 60 to 90 cm, the plant forms slender, upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves that further emphasise its tropical character.
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' is particularly popular as a cut flower in summer bouquets. Its sturdy stems and long-lasting flowers make it an excellent choice for colorful arrangements with a natural, exotic look.
There is one characteristic to keep in mind, however: when cut, a white, milky sap (latex) is released from the stems. This is perfectly normal for plants of the Asclepias genus, but to minimize sap buildup, you can briefly sear the cut edges or place the flowers directly in water. This will preserve their freshness and vitality.
Red Butterfly performs excellently as an annual crop, with rapid growth and prolonged flowering throughout the summer.
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' loves warmth, sun, and well-drained soil. It originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America and thrives in a warm, sheltered spot.
Ideal growing conditions:
Location: full sun
Soil: well-drained, moderately fertile
Humidity: dry to moderately moist
Height: 60 – 90 cm
Cultivation method: annual or container plant
Flowering period: June – October
The plant tolerates dry conditions well and only needs occasional watering, especially during prolonged heat. However, make sure the soil isn't too wet, as this can cause root rot.
In colder climates, Asclepias curassavica usually grown as an annual plant, but in a greenhouse or as a potted plant it can overwinter at a minimum temperature of around 10 °C.
One of the greatest assets of Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' is its attraction to butterflies. The flowers are rich in nectar and are an important food source for monarch butterflies and other pollinating insects.
Choosing this plant means choosing not only beauty but also more life and biodiversity in the garden. In a border full of summer bloomers, the Red Butterfly a vibrant focal point, constantly buzzing with activity.
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' is exceptionally versatile. In the garden, it's ideal for sunny borders, flowerbeds, or tropical-inspired plantings. In greenhouses or conservatories, it performs exceptionally well as a cut flower, providing a high yield and long-lasting blooms.
It combines beautifully with other sun-lovers like zinnia, rudbeckia, verbena bonariensis, and cosmos. Together they create a dynamic color palette perfect for warm summer days.
Bright carmine red flowers with a golden yellow heart
Long flowering period: June – October
Strong, upright growth (60–90 cm)
Ideal as a cut flower for summer bouquets
Suitable as an annual crop in a greenhouse or border
Sun-loving, heat-loving and drought-tolerant
Attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators
Milky sap when cut — place stems quickly in water
The Asclepias curassavica 'Red Butterfly' combines exotic appeal with practicality. Whether you use it as a colorful cut flower or as a focal point in the summer garden, it always brings warmth, movement, and vibrancy.
With its fiery flowers, easy care and butterfly appeal, this plant is a perfect choice for anyone who loves color, sun and tropical flair.
A real summer favourite that makes both garden and greenhouse shine.
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