Giant Milkweed is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia that can reach 8-15 feet in height and width. This striking plant features thick, leathery, silvery-green leaves and produces clusters of waxy, pale lavender or white flowers with distinctive crown-like centers that bloom year-round in warm climates. As a member of the milkweed family, it serves as a host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and attracts various pollinators including bees and butterflies. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal plantings in zones 10-11, though it should be noted that all parts of the plant contain toxic milky sap.
Giant Milkweed is a fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to Southeast Asia that can reach 8-15 feet in height and width. This striking plant features thick, leathery, silvery-green leaves and produces clusters of waxy, pale lavender or white flowers with distinctive crown-like centers that bloom year-round in warm climates. As a member of the milkweed family, it serves as a host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars and attracts various pollinators including bees and butterflies. Extremely drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal plantings in zones 10-11, though it should be noted that all parts of the plant contain toxic milky sap.
Florida-friendly, evergreen, perennial shrub up to 15’x10
Full sun to light shade, dry to average (well-drained) soils
Showy, lavender flowers year round
Larval food for Monarch and Queen butterflies
Hummingbirds nectar from flowers
Trim back in late winter or early spring and again in late summer for lush, dense growth
