Rose Milkweed, also known as Swamp Milkweed, is a stunning and reliable perennial that is a must-have for any butterfly enthusiast. Growing 3 to 5 feet tall, it produces large, flat-topped clusters of brilliant pink to mauve flowers that emit a delightful vanilla-like fragrance. Unlike many other milkweeds, this species has a well-behaved, clump-forming habit and does not spread aggressively via rhizomes. Native to wetlands, stream banks, and wet prairies across most of North America, it thrives in full sun and moist to wet soils, though it is surprisingly adaptable to average garden soil. It is one of the premier host plants for Monarch butterflies and provides high-energy nectar for a vast array of pollinators, including Great Spangled Fritillaries and Hummingbird Clearwing moths. Rose Milkweed is an ideal choice for rain gardens, low spots in the landscape, or the back of a perennial border where its vibrant blooms and ecological value can take center stage.

Quick facts

• Height: 3–5 ft
• Sun: Full to Partial
• Soil moisture: Wet to Medium
• Bloom time: Jun–Aug (Pink)
• Life cycle: Perennial
• Native range: Native to 44 states, including Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska

See the full growing guide and county range map for Rose Milkweed