THIS ITEM IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP ON APRIL 25, 2026, FROM 10 AM TO 12 PM AT GREENVALE VINEYARDS, PORTSMOUTH, RHODE ISLAND.
There is no delivery option for your seedling pre-order. You must pick up your plant yourself on the seedling sale date. Any seedlings not picked up will be considered a donation to ERICD's educational farm program.
What You'll Receive:
One (1) Rose Milkweed starter plug - a young, healthy plant with an established root system, ready to become an essential host plant for Monarch butterflies in your garden.
Monarch Butterfly Host Plant! Rose Milkweed is the garden-friendly milkweed you've been searching for! Unlike its aggressive cousin, Common Milkweed, this clump-forming native stays where you plant it while providing essential habitat for Monarch butterflies. Fragrant rose-pink flower clusters with a vanilla scent bloom atop tall stems in mid-summer, creating stunning vertical accents. This moisture-loving native adapts surprisingly well to average garden conditions and attracts an incredible diversity of butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects.
Outstanding Features:
Essential Monarch Host Plant: Monarch butterflies lay eggs exclusively on milkweeds. The caterpillars feed on the foliage, making this plant critical for Monarch survival.
Clump-Forming (Non-Spreading): Unlike Common Milkweed, this species forms well-behaved clumps and doesn't spread aggressively—perfect for garden beds!
Fragrant Blooms: Rose-pink flower clusters emit a delightful vanilla scent that perfumes the summer garden and attracts a wide array of pollinators.
Pollinator Powerhouse: Besides Monarchs, it attracts numerous butterfly species, native bees, hummingbird moths, and beneficial wasps.
Attractive Seed Pods: Ornamental pods add textural interest in fall and can be dried for arrangements.
Plant Specifications:
Light: Full sun to partial shade (6-8 hours best)
Soil: Average to rich; tolerates clay and wet conditions
Moisture: Medium to wet; more adaptable than name suggests Height: 3-5 feet tall, 2-3 feet spread
Bloom Time: July to August (mid-summer)
Hardiness: Zones 3-9 (perfect for New England)
Growing Tips:
Plant starter plugs 18-24 inches apart in spring. While called 'Swamp' Milkweed, this adaptable plant grows well in average garden soil with regular watering—it doesn't require wet conditions. Best in full sun but tolerates light shade. Pinch back by one-third in late May to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Don't be alarmed by Monarch caterpillars eating the foliage—that's the goal! Plants typically recover after caterpillars pupate. Divide clumps every 3-4 years. Thrives in Rhode Island and Massachusetts gardens, supporting our native Monarchs.
