Swamp Milkweed 'Cinderella' - Pollinators will Have a Ball
Swamp Milkweed ‘Cinderella’ is a standout perennial known for its clusters of soft rose-pink blooms that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds all summer long. This cultivated form of native swamp milkweed is both garden-friendly and pollinator-friendly, bringing life and movement to sunny borders, meadows, and naturalized plantings. ‘Cinderella’ features sturdy stems that resist flopping and lush green foliage that adds texture even before the blooms appear. It’s especially loved by Monarch butterflies, serving as both a nectar source and host plant for their caterpillars.
This variety performs beautifully in moist to average soils and is surprisingly adaptable once established. It’s an excellent choice for rain gardens, low spots in the yard, or anywhere you’d like to create a habitat that supports beneficial wildlife.
Applications in the Garden
Ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and low-lying moist borders
Central feature in pollinator gardens supporting Monarchs and other butterflies
Works well in mixed perennial beds with coneflowers, liatris, and rudbeckia
Useful in naturalistic or meadow-style plantings for seasonal structure and nectar
Good for wildlife corridors or restoration plantings where native species are desired
Attractive in small groups or drifts to create a stable nectar source across summer
Planting Tips - Swamp Milkweed
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Plant in full sun for best flowering and pollinator activity
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Set out in moist, well-drained soil or consistently damp sites such as rain gardens
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Space plants 18–24 inches apart to allow clump development and airflow
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Water regularly while establishing, then reduce to occasional supplemental watering in dry spells
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Add a thin layer of mulch to retain moisture without burying the crown
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Start from nursery plants for best reliability, or stratify seed for 30 days before sowing if growing from seed
Plant Biography and Growing Environment
| Botanical Name: | Asclepias Incarnata ‘Cinderella’ |
| Variety Name: | Incarnata Cinderella |
| Height: | 24″ |
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
| Sun or Shade: | Full sun to partial shade |
| 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 - Swamp Milkweed
Poor flowering – often from insufficient sun; relocate to a sunnier spot if plants remain shaded
Leggy or floppy growth – may indicate overcrowding or too much shade; divide or thin plants and increase light exposure
Excessive self-seeding – remove seed pods before they split if volunteers are unwanted
Yellowing leaves – typically from waterlogged roots or nutrient imbalance; improve drainage or adjust watering
Leaf chewing by caterpillars – this is normal when supporting Monarch caterpillars; avoid insecticidal sprays and allow natural herbivory where possible
Crown rot – happens in persistently soggy soil without movement; plant on a slight rise or amend soil for better drainage
FAQ - Swamp Milkweed
Q: Is Swamp Milkweed toxic to pets or people?
A: Yes, Swamp Milkweed contains cardiac glycosides and can be toxic if ingested, so avoid planting where children or pets may chew foliage
Q: Will Swamp Milkweed spread aggressively?
A: It can spread modestly by seed and short rhizomes but is not generally invasive; remove seed pods to limit volunteers
Q: When is the best time to divide or transplant Swamp Milkweed?
A: Divide or transplant in early spring before new growth or in late fall after top growth has died back
Q: Does Swamp Milkweed attract Monarch butterflies?
A: Absolutely; it serves as an important host plant for Monarch caterpillars and provides nectar for many adult pollinators