Blood Flower: A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Striking Milkweed
Care and Cultivation
Blood flower (Asclepias curassavica) is an easy-to-grow annual or perennial milkweed that attracts pollinators with its vibrant orange blooms. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it requires minimal maintenance.
Light: Blood flower prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Soil: Well-drained soil is essential, as blood flower does not like to be waterlogged. Water: Water consistently, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilizer: Additional fertilization is not necessary when growing as an annual.
Types of Blood Flower
The pure species of blood flower has red-orange flowers with yellow hoods. Various cultivars have been developed to enhance flower color and create shorter, more manageable plants. Some popular cultivars include:
- ‘Silky Gold’: Golden-yellow flowers
- ‘Silky Deep Red’: Strong red flowers
- ‘Red Butterfly’: Darker red flowers
- ‘Apollo Orange’: Pure orange flowers
- ‘Apollo Yellow’: Pure yellow blossoms
Propagation
Stem Cuttings: Propagating blood flower through stem cuttings is easy. Take a 6- to 8-inch tip from a growing shoot and plant it in moist potting mix. Keep it warm and bright until roots develop.
Seed: Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Soak seeds for 24 hours, then sow them in seed starter mix. Keep them moist and in a bright location.
Bloom and Bloom Care
Blood flower typically blooms from late spring or early summer into fall. Its clusters of bright orange blooms with yellow centers have a light, sweet smell.
To encourage more blooms:
- Plant in a sunny spot.
- Start seeds indoors early.
- Remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.
Pests and Diseases
Blood flower is generally pest-resistant, but aphids can be problematic in warmer climates. Spray plants with strong water blasts to dislodge aphids. Avoid pesticides, as they can harm beneficial insects.
Other Considerations
Toxicity: Blood flower is toxic to humans and pets.
Monarch Butterflies: While blood flower is a host plant for monarch butterflies, it can interfere with their migration patterns when grown in areas without harsh winters. Consider planting native milkweed species that are better suited to local butterfly populations.
FAQs
Are there better milkweeds to plant for monarch butterflies?
Select native milkweed species that are adapted to your region.
How is blood flower used in the landscape?
Blood flower adds color to perennial borders, cottage gardens, and meadow gardens. It can also attract pollinators.
Will deer eat blood flower?
No, blood flower is typically deer-resistant.
How to overwinter blood flower?
In cold climates, cut back mature plants before they set seed. In warmer climates, no special winter protection is needed.
How to pot and repot blood flower?
Use a large, deep container with well-drained potting mix. Water more frequently when grown in containers.
How to get blood flower to bloom profusely?
Plant in full sun, start seeds early indoors, and remove spent flowers.
How to care for blood flower after it blooms?
Prune back spent flowers to prevent self-seeding.