Ice Ballet Swamp Milkweed

36-42″ tall x 24-30″ wide. ‘Ice Ballet’ Swamp Milkweed blooms mid- to late-summer on upright stems that grow in compact clumps. Flowers are followed by decorative seed pods, which split open when mature to release drifts of silky seeds that drift on the wind. Slender, willow-like foliage has a deeper green color than other varieties. In addition to the butterfly garden, ‘Ice Ballet’ performs beautifully in rain gardens, perennial beds, and cottage gardens. Plants tolerate damp soils, making them useful in beautifying low spots and other wet areas. The milky sap makes milkweed unpalatable to deer and rabbits. Swamp milkweed has a deep taproot and therefore do not transplant well. It is best to leave plants undisturbed after planting. Expect to see Queen butterflies, Grey Hairstreaks, as well as hummingbirds visiting the elegant blooms.

Asclepias incarnata is a food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and a nectar source for adult butterflies. Also called Swamp Milkweed, this milkweed actually grows well in both moderately moist and wet soils. This perennial milkweed is also an excellent choice for rain gardens.  

Native Range for Asclepias incarnata (Swamp Milkweed) – AL, AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WI, WV, WY.