When does Asclepias rubra bloom?

Asclepias rubra typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of deep pink to reddish blooms atop upright stems.

What growing conditions does Asclepias rubra need?

This forb does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, reflecting its natural preference for boggy meadows, wet pine flatwoods, and seasonally damp low ground.

What pollinators visit Asclepias rubra?

Bees, butterflies, and moths regularly visit Asclepias rubra for nectar during its summer bloom period.

Does Asclepias rubra tolerate drier soil?

It prefers medium to consistently wet soil and does not perform as well in dry, well drained sites compared to other milkweed species.

Is Red Milkweed toxic to dogs?

Yes. Red Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Red Milkweed toxic to cats?

Yes. Red Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Red Milkweed HOA-friendly?

Red Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Red Milkweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Asclepias rubra

Last reviewed: September 2026

Asclepias rubra is a summer blooming milkweed with deep pink flower clusters, thriving in full sun and moist soil from June through August in wet meadows and pine savanna habitats along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains.

Red Milkweed (Asclepias rubra) — Photo: (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Red Milkweed is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Is Milkweed Toxic to Dogs? covers the symptoms, what to do after exposure, and safe native swaps.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Red milkweed is a compact native perennial that produces clusters of bright red-orange flowers from June through August. It grows 1-3 feet tall with a neat, upright habit and attractive narrow leaves that provide structure throughout the growing season.

Growing Red Milkweed

Grow Red Milkweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red Milkweed is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Dies back completely in winter
May self-seed in optimal conditions

Wildlife value

Host plant for monarch butterfly.

This plant is essential for monarch butterflies, serving as both a host plant for their caterpillars and nectar source for adults. It also attracts native bees, moths, and other beneficial pollinators with its vibrant summer blooms.

Common questions

When does Asclepias rubra bloom?: Asclepias rubra typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of deep pink to reddish blooms atop upright stems.
What growing conditions does Asclepias rubra need?: This forb does best in full sun with consistently moist to wet soil, reflecting its natural preference for boggy meadows, wet pine flatwoods, and seasonally damp low ground.
What pollinators visit Asclepias rubra?: Bees, butterflies, and moths regularly visit Asclepias rubra for nectar during its summer bloom period.
Does Asclepias rubra tolerate drier soil?: It prefers medium to consistently wet soil and does not perform as well in dry, well drained sites compared to other milkweed species.
Is Red Milkweed toxic to dogs?: Yes. Red Milkweed is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Red Milkweed toxic to cats?: Yes. Red Milkweed is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Red Milkweed HOA-friendly?: Red Milkweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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