Blood Flower

Plant of the Week

BY: Elyse Lucas

Many fall flowers are striking, but the blood flower (Asclepias curassavica) is truly an autumn standout. Its vivid red and orange flowers, which bloom June through October, are nestled above long, slender, bright green leaves. Even when the plant has finished blooming, its beauty continues, with seedpods that release elegant, silky-tailed seeds to dance in the autumn breeze.

Common name: Blood flower
Botanical name: Asclepias curassavica
Plant type: Perennial
Zones: 9 to 11; usually grown as an annual
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Family: Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae)

Growing conditions
• Sun: Full sun
• Soil: Moist, well-drained
• Moisture: Average to dry

Care
• Mulch: Mulch to preserve moisture in the soil and prevent weeds.
• Pruning: None needed.
• Fertilizer: None needed.

Propagation
• By seed or by division.

Pests and diseases
No major insect or disease problems, but aphids are common when flowering.

Garden notes
• Consider wearing gloves when handling blood flower. Its milky sap can be toxic to human skin and poisonous if ingested.
• Asclepias curassavica provides striking foliage and flowers for beds, borders, cottage gardens, and meadows. Its dried seedpods look great in arrangements.
• Blood flower attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Monarch butterflies will lay eggs on it, and caterpillars will feed on its leaves.

All in the family
• The Apocynaceae, or dogbane, family includes a variety of flowering plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbs.
• Several plants in this family are sources of lifesaving drugs such as cardiac glycosides, which affect heart function. The plants can be found in genera such as Acokanthera, Apocynum, Thevetia, and Strophantus.
• The genus Asclepias has more than 110 species of evergreen or deciduous perennials, as well as a few shrubs and subshrubs.

Where to buy
• Almost Eden Plants, Merryville, LA, 337-375-2114 , www.almostedenplants.com
• Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, Richmond, CA, 888-266-4370, www.anniesannuals.com
• Thyme After Thyme, Winterville, GA, 706-742-7149, www.thymeafterthyme.com

(Photo courtesy of Kemper Center for Home Gardening at the Missouri Botanical Garden)

Comments

By epeoples Monday, October 18, 2010 11:53 AM

This looks like a plant I have in my garden that my daughter calls orange milkweed. The seeds are similar. Could it be the same plant?

By dheitmann Monday, October 18, 2010 10:11 PM

In the Gulf Coast area, we call this plant Mexican Milkweed. Butterfly friends plant them in masses to attract the Monarch. The rewards are plentiful, especially when small children are in the household. They can watch the butterfly sip the nectar, then weeks later, they will see the small catepillars eat the leaves and grow daily. Soon the catepillars disappear to form their crystallis and before long, more butterflies appear.

By mbelk Sunday, January 02, 2011 9:47 PM

I also refer to this plant as milkweed. I enjoy growing this plant. I anxiously await for a female Monarch butterfly to come along and lay eggs underneath the leaves. Within a few days, I am delighted when small holes begin to appear in the leaves. The catepillars will devour the plant and eventually complete the metamorphosis from catepillar, to chrysalis, to a beautiful Monarch butterfly. It is amazing to watch the transformations at each stage.

By amcgeorge Wednesday, March 14, 2012 12:47 PM

I have a problem with what I think are aphids on this plant and they compete with the Monarch larvae. How can I get rid of these bugs without killing the Monarch larvae? I am right now in the middle of season for the Monarchs. Please I need help. My daughter takes them off by hand and it is a long tedious job that is only partually successful. Help please!!