Asclepias or Tropical Milkweed is an upright, open-growing flowering perennial native to the American tropics. It is cultivated worldwide for its showy flowers and ability to attract butterflies, Plants grow fast and upright, and generally mature between 3 and 4 feet tall. The narrow, oblong, pointed lance-shaped leaves grow in opposite pairs, spaced out along pale gray-green stems filled with a milky sap, and are prolific season-long bloomers producing flowers composed of a bright yellow ring of sepals crowned by a golden corolla. Its a great choice for butterfly gardens, mixed perennial beds and borders, and requires only basic care. Care: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil in full sun. Water to maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid overwatering. Overly saturated plants will become spotted, weak, thin, and fail to flower as expected. Feed a good quality, slow-release, bloom-boosting fertilizer with the initial planting and annually in spring thereafter. In tropical climates, prune heavily in early fall to protect pollinator migration patterns. Indoor Growing: Milkweed plants are best grown outdoors due to the leggy, open habit, light, temperature and high humidity requirements, so not well suited for the average indoor growing space. Climate: Milkweed is a tropical plant recommended for growing in Zones 9, 10, and 11. Protection from cold temperatures is required in all Zones for the longest life, best appearance, and earliest flowering. Note that Zone recommendations are based on average temperatures and does not consider other variables. The product is a starter-sized plant with an approximate 4-inch-diameter root zone. The plant will be a minimum of 6 to 8 inches tall. It will not have buds or blooms on arrival. Starter-sized plants are intended for a gardener to plant and grow to their mature size.