Milkweed, Bloodflower–Asclepias curassavica
Bloodflower Milkweed also known as Tropical Milkweed is winter hardy in zones 9-11 and is easily grown from seed each year as an annual. It is great for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and a wide variety of pollinators. Showy red-orange flowers with yellow hoods in rounded clusters grow on upright stems with medium-green, glossy, pointed leaves. Attractive foliage and flowers for beds, borders, cottage gardens, meadows and butterfly gardens. Also a good cut flower. Dried seed pods are attractive in arrangements.
Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs on the leaves and the larvae feed on the plants. Note that these Bloodflower Milkweed plants contain cardiac glycosides, chemicals, that are toxic when eaten and make the Monarch Larvae and Butterflies also toxic to any would be predators so avoid getting the sap on skin.
Plant in rich, well-drained soil. These have a longer blooming period than most other milkweeds.