Milkweed is a host plant for Monarch butterfly caterpillars – meaning it is the only plant these picky caterpillars will eat.
Many people plant Milkweed to help support these endangered butterflies. But, research in the last decade has led scientists to believe that planting the tropical variety of milkweed (Asclepias curassavica), does more harm than good for the Monarch butterfly population.
As a result, Rockledge Gardens has decided to no longer sell tropical milkweed.
Florida Native Milkweed (milkweed that naturally grows in Florida) will die back to the ground during the winter, which encourages the Monarchs to travel to Mexico in search of food.
Milkweed is a perennial here in Florida. It will come back when it’s warm, and safe for the Monarchs to return.
They also readily reseed so, if left the space, new plants will sprout up too!
