Origin: Not US Native
Other Common Names: Bloodflower, Silkweed, Indian Root, Cotton Bush, Sunset Flower
Duration: Annual
Bloom Time: July-August
Height: 18” to 36”
Spacing: 15” to 18”
Light: Full Sun
Soil Moisture: Medium
USDA Zone: 3a-10b
Germination: No pre-treatment needed. Sow seeds just below the soil surface at 70F and water.
Seeds Per Oz: 12000
This tender perennial is native to South America, but has naturalized worldwide in many tropical and subtropical areas. It is part of the milkweed family, and as such, exudes a milky sap from the stem and leaves when cut. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs on this plant, and the resulting larvae use the plant leaves as a food source. The flowers are red-orange with yellow hoods, and bloom for a longer period than the perennial milkweeds that are winter hardy in some areas. These brilliant wildflowers also attract hummingbirds!
