Common Milkweed is perennial and a member of the Asclepiadaceae family. There are about 115 species of this plant in the Americas. Most of these species are tropical or arid land species. The botanical name is Asclepias syriaca which gets its name from Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Syriaca means ‘of Syria’ with the belief its origin was Syria, but this is not true. Many milkweed species have medicinal purposes including common milkweed which was used for wart removal and lung diseases. Milkweed produces flowers at the top of the plant in clusters.  There are about 2-5 clusters per plant and the scented flowers come in pink, mauve, and white. The plant grows about up to 4 feet tall, usually in clusters with solid stems. Plant milkweed in a location with full sunlight and well-draining soil. It grows best in an open area where there are 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day. You can plant seedlings in spring after the chance of frost has passed or plant the seeds in the fall. Once the plant is established it spreads quickly. Common milkweed is a magnet for insects including bees, butterflies, and wasps. Monarch butterflies are highly attracted to the plant. Milkweed's leaves and the milk-like substance within are poisonous, except to monarch butterflies. Hardiness zones 3-9. Learn more about Milkweed in a previous blog post.

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  • gslotnick@yahoo.com Sep 28

    Is this a perennial? Thanks!

    It is a groundcover rose shrub that is hardy for zones 4 - 11. It does come back every year and is winter hardy.

  • mmsimpson1@insightbb.com Feb 22

    What zones can the California Lilac grow in. I live in zone 6, Kentucky. Thank you for helping me.

    The hardiness zones for this plant are 8 - 10.  There are different types of this plant so there might be one that works for you.  Here is more information.
    https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/ceanothus-california-lilac

  • rabisaqib88@gmail.com Mar 15

    I found this article worth reading.it really enhanced my knowledge. Thank you for sharing such an amazing content.

    Thank you for your kind comment.

  • vs@abanahomes.com May 03

    Not sure if this is the correct place to ask, but you seem to be knowledgable about the flowering plants.

    Most likely these two plants Lily of the valley and this flowering bonsai tree may share the same chemistry.

    Which fertilizer / condition do you recommend to bloom a flowering plant more? 

    Lily of the valley typically doesn’t need any fertilizer unless you have poor soil. If your soil lacks nutrients, you can add a slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring. For Bonsai plants, there is usually specific fertilizer for those plants.

  • pmirfi@pacbell.net Nov 01

    I have one & the leaves are 3 or more times the height of the plant. Why? Should it be in a larger pot than it is now?

    I have seen plants as you have described, so I think it is a good idea to repot the plants. Ponytail palms will remain small if kept in a small pot. They can go for many years before needing to be repotted. Repotting every other year at the most is all a ponytail palm needs. Moving the plant to a larger pot will give it room to grow in both height and girth. However, older plants may become difficult to manage due to their sheer size and weight if not kept on the smaller size.  You can also get a plant stand if you have not already do raise the plant so the leaves have more space to hang. You can also prune the leaves a little, but make sure you wear gloves as the leaves can be sharp. Also, clean your shears before using them, so you do not bring any pests or diseases to the plant. Please let us know how you make out.

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