Milkweed ‘Silky Gold’ – Vibrant Blooms for Pollinator Gardens
Milkweed ‘Silky Gold’ (Asclepias curassavica) is a tropical milkweed celebrated for its bright golden-yellow flower clusters that bloom over a long season. Unlike many perennial milkweed species, this one grows quickly and flowers continuously from early summer into fall. Its upright habit and saturated color make it a standout in pollinator gardens, attracting monarch butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects. In colder climates, ‘Silky Gold’ is grown as an annual but still offers tremendous impact thanks to its vigorous growth and extended bloom time.
Applications in the Garden
Excellent for butterfly gardens and pollinator habitats
Ideal for bright annual borders, mixed beds, and cottage-style plantings
Adds long-lasting color to containers and patio planters
Useful as a nectar source for butterflies throughout the growing season
Pairs well with zinnias, cosmos, coneflower, and other summer bloomers
Provides host plant foliage for monarch caterpillars
Planting Tips - Tropical Milkweed
Choose a full-sun location to encourage abundant flowering
Plant in well-drained soil. It will happily tolerate sandy or average soil well
Space 12–18 inches apart for healthy air circulation
Water consistently during establishment, then moderately through summer
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth
Deadhead faded blooms to promote continuous flowering
In colder climates, treat as an annual or collect seeds for next year
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Asclepias Curassavica |
| Variety Name: | Silky Gold Series |
| Height: | 30″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun |
| Plant Classification: | Perennial |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Bloom Season: | Summer – Fall |
| Bloom Cycle: | Only blooms once |
| Bloom Duration: | 3 months |
| Planting Depth: | 2″-3″ |
| Soil Requirements: | thrives in poor, dry, sandy, or gravelly soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH |
| Water Requirements: | Low |
Troubleshooting - Tropical Milkweed
Yellowing leaves: Often caused by overwatering; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings
Aphids on stems: Common on milkweed; rinse with water or use insecticidal soap as needed
Leggy growth: Pinch stems early or ensure the plant receives full sun
Weak flowering: Usually from insufficient light or nutrient-poor soil
Caterpillar damage: Normal to see! Plants can withstand feeding and still recover
FAQ - Tropical Milkweed
Q: Is milkweed ‘Silky Gold’ toxic to pets or people?
A: Yes. Like all milkweeds, it contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic if ingested. It’s safe to grow ornamentally but should not be consumed by pets, livestock, or humans.
Q: Will this plant come back each year?
A: In cold climates, no. ‘Silky Gold’ is a tropical species and is typically grown as an annual.
Q: Does tropical milkweed support monarch butterflies?
A: Yes, it provides both nectar and host plant foliage. However, in warm climates where it does not die back naturally, gardeners should cut it down in fall to prevent overwintering disease concerns.
Q: Can milkweed be grown in containers?
A: Absolutely. ‘Silky Gold’ performs well in pots as long as drainage is excellent and it receives full sun.