Asclepias curassavica
Caution when handling the milky sap can irritate the skin. All parts can cause stomach upset if ingested.
A tender, evergreen sub shrub from tropical regions of the Americas with bright red and orange flowers over a long period from summer-autumn. Loved by Bees and Butterflies and is a valuable food and egg laying source for members of the Danainae family of Butterflies especially the Monarch.
After the flowers long green seed pods appear which, when ripe will split open to reveal the seeds. These have fine silky “tails” which, in the wild, would be carried away by the wind. You can collect and sow the seed or just remove the pods if they are not wanted.
Grow in a loam based compost with added grit for drainage and feed monthly in summer with a high potash feed such as tomato food. This plant is not hardy and although it can be put outside for the summer it must be brought in well before any frosts are forecast. Please note an unheated greenhouse can freeze in winter and so is not a reliable place to overwinter tender plants.
Unless otherwise indicated our plants are supplied in the following pot sizes according to category. Dimensions refer to either the pot diameter (cm) or volume (litre);
- Exotics/Conservatory & House Plants, Succulents: mostly as young plants in 7 to 9cm (approx. 0.5 litre) or 1 litre pots
- Hardy Perennials, Ferns and Grasses: 1 litre (approx. 12cm diameter)
- Hardy Shrubs and Climbers: 1.5 or 2 litre
The exact size of plants will vary with the growing season and may be cut back in accordance with normal pruning regimes or to fit in the box if they are excessively tall.
Find out more about our mail order process
Minimum order value £10
| Region | Order Value | Carriage Charge | Carrier Service | Estimated Delivery from placing your order |
| | | | | |
| UK (excluding N. Ireland) | Light weight small parcel up to 2 kg (up to 5 plants in 9 cm pots) | £6 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 17 days |
| UK Mainland | Orders over 2 kg | £7.50 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 17 days |
| Seeds & Cuttings only | All orders | £2 | Royal Mail 1st Class | Within 1 week |
| Local Delivery: Postcodes IP1 to IP8 & CO10 | Orders over £35 | FREE | Our vehicles | Within 1 week |
| Collect from Nursery (IP7 6LZ) | All orders | FREE | | 1-3 days (we will contact you) |
| Scottish Highlands
& Isle of Wight | Orders over 2 kg | £6 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 18 days |
| Scottish Offshore Islands | Orders over 2 kg | £7.5 | Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) | Up to 18 days |
See our delivery information page for more details
| Royal Mail 1-2 Days (tracked) |
