There are around 200 different species of Asclepias tuberosa, also known as milkweed. By no means all varieties are really hardy, even if they are often offered as such in the trade. It is therefore advisable to care for the plant in a bucket so that it can overwinter frost-free.

Some Asclepias tuberosa varieties are hardy

Not all Asclepias tuberosa varieties are hardy

In the case of Asclepias tuberosa, the specialist distinguishes between three types that are differently hardy. There is

  • non-hardy varieties
  • conditionally hardy varieties
  • fully hardy varieties

You should know the variety so that you know how to care for your milkweed in winter. With so many species, this is not easy. In an emergency, ask a professional.

Overwinter Asclepias tuberosa

The non-hardy varieties should be grown in tubs so that they can be overwintered indoors in winter. They can only tolerate temperatures up to ten degrees.

Conditionally hardy Asclepias tuberosa withstand winter temperatures down to minus 10 degrees and can therefore be planted directly in the garden in sheltered locations. They should, however, get some light winter protection.

Hardy varieties can handle even lower temperatures, but should be in a sheltered spot.

Overwinter Asclepias tuberosa in a tub

Non-hardy Asclepias tuberosa must be placed in winter in a place where the temperature does not fall below 12 degrees. When it gets colder, the leaves fall off. The new shoots are delayed and so is the flowering in the coming year.

A bright location is important. Asclepias tuberosa is poured very sparingly in the bucket in winter so that the root ball does not dry out completely. You must not fertilize the silk flower during this time either.

Caring for milkweed outdoors

A hardy Asclepias tuberosa is best planted in a sheltered spot where the soil is well drained.

In winter, the plant loses almost all its leaves outdoors. To protect them from frost damage, you should cover the planting sites with leaves, brushwood or other suitable materials.

tips

Hardy Asclepias tuberosa, which you keep in the garden all year round, are best planted out with a root barrier. The silk flower forms many strong foothills and otherwise spreads very quickly.

Category:

Vegetable garden