Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Bloodflower (Asclepias curassavica)


Bloodflower
Asclepias curassavica
(ass-KLE-pee-us) (ku-ra-SAV-ik-uh)
Asclepiadaceae (ass-kle-pee-ad-AY-see-ay)
Synonyms: Swallow-wort, Butterfly Weed, Mexican Milkweed, Scarlet Milkweed

This is the first year I have grown Scarlet Milkweed. I picked up three at a plant sale and they have done great. Not quite up to the advertised height of 3 to 4 feet they have been blooming for awhile now and seem to keep going. Since it is rated for USDA Zone 8 and above so I am growing it as an annual. I hope to collect some seeds or have a few drop as it has been a nice addition to the garden. I have found it difficult to photograph and this has been my best effort so far. At least it shows the color! My Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) didn’t come back this year so I will have to replace that. That is a perennial in my area.



Here is another picture of an Asclepias. I think it is Rose or Swamp Milkweed (A. incarnata). It seems a little taller than the other two species I mentioned. Which must just be the plants that I viewed as this one is suppose to get 2 to 3 feet tall. The plants I saw were more like 3 to 4 feet tall. It has a nice dusty pink flower color and you can the bees love this plant too. I was actually trying to take a picture of the bee on this one.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

hi
the flowers are looking to good
very rich colors
nice photography i liked the blog

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Catherine said...

Hi...first time to your blog...Love it!! Your photo's are wonderful!!~~Beautiful flowers!!!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

ensure and catherine, thanks for leaving a comment.

Anonymous said...

That is quite a photo! I do hope you can save some seed! It looks like an annual worth planting again!

Marcel said...

Hello,
Your pictures are so nice. Congratulations for your blog.

Digital Flower Pictures said...

layanee, Hi. It is a fun plant that I have enjoyed. I hope I get some seedlings but this one is good enough I won't mind if I have to buy some next year.

marcel,
thanks for stopping by.

shyloh's poetry said...

Your photos are breathtaking!!!

Digital Flower Pictures said...

shyloh, cool name! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment.