(Asclepias curassavica)EXCLUSIVE - This mid to late summer heat lover offers flower clusters in vivid scarlet-red, warm orangered and gold. Butterflies visit constantly, unable to resist the large amounts of nectar in their colorful blossoms. Bright Wings is related to common butterfly weed, but much prettier; a handsome border or container plant and lovely in bouquets.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Cut plants back to the ground if they don't die back with frost so overwintering foliage doesn't harbor and spread disease to butterflies.
Summer/fall bloom
Frost tender
Start seed indoors 8 to 10 weeks before last spring frost date. Sow seeds in 4-inch pots of seed starting mix and cover 1/4 inch deep. Keep warm and moist; provide a strong light source until seedlings are ready to plant out. Once danger of frost is past, gradually acclimate plants to outdoor conditions, then transplant into the garden 12 inches apart into well drained soil in full sun.
Sow seed 4 to 5 inches apart in a finely textured, well-worked garden bed in full sun once danger of frost is past. Cover 1/4 inch deep and keep moist as seedlings emerge. Thin to stand 12 inches apart when seedlings are large enough to handle.
Asclepias needs excellent drainage and full sun, but no extra fertilizer except in very poor soil. Use for warm color in sunny borders where these plants are butterfly magnets. Bright Wings plants are also lovely in large patio planters. For longest lasting cut flowers, harvest either very early or late in the day only after two thirds of the florets are open. Do not sear stems in hot water (unlike other Asclepias varieties).
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