Huge milkweed leaves, tall bushy plant … it’s the dream of a Monarch enthusiast, especially one that brings in caterpillars and raises them indoors. For gardeners who live so far south in the US that they can’t grow common milkweed (Asclepias syrica), Giant Milkweed (Calotropis gigantea) is fantastic.
These leaves grow to over 12″ long and 6″ wide. Growing to 25′ tall in some areas, this non-native milkweed grows the height of a one story building in areas of the US where winters are warm and the plant does not freeze to the ground.
Height from 8′ to 25′, depending upon location
Soil average to rich
Full sun
Blooms lavender or white
Zones 9 and warmer
(Ours grows back in 8b)
Propagation: seed, stem cuttings
Butterfly Fun Facts 