The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid', also known as white milkweed or butterfly plant, is a beautiful, upright perennial that transforms any garden with its romantic, creamy-white flowers. This summer beauty is not only a feast for the eyes but also an important source of nectar for butterflies and bees.
With its elegant flower clusters, strong stems and long flowering period, the Milkmaid an absolute favourite for garden lovers who appreciate colour, height and biodiversity in the border.
The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid' blooms from June to September with striking white umbels that rise above the dark green, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers form compact umbels and add a soft, almost dreamy touch to the summer garden.
Its straight, sturdy stems allow the plant to reach a height of 120 to 150 cm, making it perfect as a backdrop in borders or as a focal point in a mixed planting. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, contributing to a vibrant and ecologically balanced garden.
Unlike many other Asclepias species, the Milkmaid a bog plant that thrives in moist to wet soil. It thrives in:
Edge planting of ponds or ditch banks
Damp borders and flowerbeds
Swampy or rain-hardy gardens
The plant prefers full sun but also tolerates light shade. Its strong root system allows it to withstand wet conditions, making it ideal for gardens where other perennials struggle to thrive.
The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid' is known as a butterfly plant par excellence. Its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, including monarch butterflies, butterflies, and bees.
This attractiveness makes the Milkmaid not only decorative but also functional in gardens where biodiversity and ecological balance are important. Combine it with other nectar plants like rudbeckia, veronica, or echinacea for a vibrant garden full of color and movement.
The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid' is relatively low-maintenance and reliable, provided it's planted in the right spot. For optimal growth and flowering:
Location: full sun to light shade
Soil: moist to wet, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Height: 120 – 150 cm
Flowering period: June – September
Winter hardiness: very winter hardy, tolerates cold winters
The plant can be pruned in some years to maintain a more compact shape. Removing spent flower heads promotes longer blooms and keeps the plant well-maintained.
In areas with severe winters, an additional layer of mulch can be applied around the roots for extra protection against frost.
The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid' is an excellent cut flower for bouquets. Its long stems and sturdy umbels make it ideal for summer arrangements, both indoors and outdoors.
When cutting, it's important to know that, like other Asclepias species, this plant also exudes a white, milky sap. To prevent this, you can place the stems directly in water or briefly sear them. This will extend the life of the flowers and make them perfect for decoration in a vase or arrangement.
Creamy white flowers in compact umbels
Blooms for a long time from June to September
Height: 120 – 150 cm
Ideal for wet borders, marshy gardens and flowerbeds
Attracts butterflies, bees and other pollinators
Suitable as a cut flower
Hardy and low maintenance
Location: full sun to light shade
The Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid' combines elegance, practicality, and ecological value. Whether you plant it as a centerpiece in a border, along a pond edge, or as an indoor cut flower, this butterfly plant is guaranteed to add color, height, and life to your garden.
With its romantic flowers, attractiveness to pollinators and reliable flowering, the Milkmaid an essential plant for anyone who dreams of a vibrant summer garden full of beauty and biodiversity.
A classic perennial that captures the hearts of gardeners and butterflies alike: Asclepias incarnata 'Milkmaid'.
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